DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced the launch of its latest problem-solving project under the University of South Wales’ ‘Virtual Volunteers’ scheme – this time focusing on rural crime and the theft of farm machinery by organised crime groups.

The new programme has been written by Alicia Edwards, a Bangor University student researching rural crime as part of her doctorate. Dyfed-Powys Police also consulted Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison of North Wales Police, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for rural and wildlife crime.

Chief Inspector Dominic Jones, of the Dyfed-Powys Police Central Prevention Hub, said the initiative gives USW students a meaningful way to contribute to a crime type that continues to worry farming and rural communities.

He said: “Any student at the University of South Wales can now volunteer for the force through engaging with this pernicious crime problem that is of very real concern to the rural communities we serve. Students consider the many complexities involved in a crime of this nature, undertake research into the subject and are then encouraged to address the challenging questions raised within the problem.

“Each student volunteer, upon completion of the programme, receives a letter of appreciation from Chief Constable Ifan Charles in recognition of their contribution.”

The ‘Virtual Volunteers’ programme has already tasked students with examining a range of crime issues, including cannabis cultivation in abandoned properties, romance fraud, money laundering and emerging threats linked to Artificial Intelligence.

In the coming weeks, participants will also be invited to propose innovative solutions to technology-enabled abuse of women and girls – a programme authored by the National Centre for Violence Against Women & Girls and Public Protection (NCVPP) under the NPCC.

THE FAMILY of a young woman found dead at Netpool Boat Yard in Cardigan have paid tribute to her and urged anyone with information to come forward.

Corinna Baker, aged 21, was discovered at the boat yard shortly after midday on Saturday (Nov 15). A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, her family said: “We as a family are distraught at the loss of our beloved Corinna. She was much loved and she will be greatly missed by her whole family and all those who were blessed to have known her.
We appeal to anyone who has any information, however small, to please come forward. We ask that everybody respects our privacy at this time and allows us to grieve in peace.”

Detective Superintendent Wayne Bevan, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with Corinna’s family at this understandably tragic time. We have specially trained officers supporting the family and ask that their privacy is respected.
I urge anyone with any information to please come forward and support our ongoing investigation.”

Officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was at Netpool Boat Yard between 9:00pm on Thursday (Nov 13) and the time Corinna was found.

A police cordon remains in place at the site, and an increased presence is expected in the area while enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police by calling 101 and quoting reference 144 of November 15.

Victim’s family informed as officers appeal for witnesses who were near the scene from Thursday night

POLICE have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a woman’s body at a boatyard in Cardigan.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called to Netpool Boatyard at around 12:35pm on Saturday (Nov 15) after the body of a woman was found.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

The woman’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

There has been an increased police presence in the town since Saturday afternoon, with officers cordoning off the Netpool slipway and nearby access roads. Late on Saturday night, a boat covered in black plastic sheeting was removed from the scene as part of the ongoing forensic investigation.

Detectives are appealing for information from anyone who may have been at, or seen activity around, the boatyard from 9:00pm on Thursday, November 13 onwards.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police via the website https://orlo.uk/olxMg, email [email protected], or call 101, quoting reference 144 of November 15. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.