DYFED-POWYS POLICE Marine Unit is warning boat owners to take extra precautions as the summer boating season approaches.

Officers say that with many people preparing to take to the water, now is the time to double-check the security of vessels and equipment.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Boat owners and hirers spend a lot of money buying and maintaining their boats, so the last thing you want is to fall victim to theft. It’s important to treat the security of your boat with the same care as your home. Leaving it unsecured makes it easy for opportunistic thieves.”

The unit has shared key tips from Secured by Design to help protect watercraft:

• Security mark your equipment – Use a forensic asset marking or etching kit on outboards and electronics. This acts as a visible deterrent and helps recover stolen property.
• Lock cockpit lockers – Ensure lockers are secure and store unused ropes, fenders, and valuables out of sight.
• Secure hatches – Double-check that the main and fore hatches are properly locked.
• Keep detailed records – Note serial numbers on radios, navigation gear, outboards, and trailers. Record custom markings, and keep copies at home and on board.
• Photograph your boat – Take colour photos from different angles and consider recording a video using a smartphone.
• Use a tracking system – These are especially useful for tracing stolen outboards or entire vessels.

While many marinas now have CCTV and controlled access, officers are urging owners to remain vigilant:

“Be a good neighbour—look out for other boats as well as your own. Keep marina gates closed, don’t share access cards or codes, and never let strangers in, no matter how genuine they may seem,” the spokesperson added.

Anyone who sees suspicious activity at a marina is urged to report it immediately to the harbour master, yard master or Dyfed-Powys Police.

A CAMROSE man who believed he was communicating with a 13-year-old girl online has been handed a suspended sentence after admitting sexually explicit messaging.

Phillip Jackson, aged 43, of The Causeway, was caught as part of an undercover operation by a civilian group that targets suspected child sex offenders. The group had created a fake Facebook profile posing as a teenage girl.

On September 23 last year, Jackson sent a friend request to the decoy account and told the profile he was 41. When informed that the girl was 13, he initially replied that he was too old. However, he resumed contact days later, leaving comments and starting a new conversation, which soon turned sexual in nature.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Jackson asked explicit and inappropriate questions, sent detailed sexual messages, and described acts he wished to carry out. One message included graphic language asking if the girl would like to engage in a sexual act.

The group later attended Jackson’s address posing as delivery drivers. When he opened the door, they confronted him and streamed the encounter live online for over an hour before police arrived at the scene.

He was arrested and gave a full admission in police interview. Jackson later pleaded guilty to attempting to incite a child to engage in penetrative sexual activity and attempted sexual communication with a child.

The court was told Jackson had no previous convictions for sexual offences but had 14 prior convictions for 26 unrelated offences. His barrister, Dan Griffiths, said Jackson had been living an isolated lifestyle and was drinking heavily at the time of the offences. He said the defendant had since taken steps to change his behaviour.

The court also heard that Jackson’s mother had experienced acts of vandalism at her property following the live-streamed confrontation.

Judge Huw Rees imposed a 20-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Jackson must complete 150 hours of unpaid work, attend 35 rehabilitation activity days, and take part in the Maps for Change programme aimed at reducing reoffending.

He will remain on the sex offenders register for 10 years and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same period.

A WHITLAND woman is due to stand trial later this year accused of misusing power of attorney to take tens of thousands of pounds from an elderly woman.

Shirley Williams, aged 53, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where she denied a single charge of fraud.

The prosecution alleges that between October 2017 and April 2022, Williams exploited her legal authority over the complainant’s finances for personal gain—transferring funds into her own bank account and using the money to purchase goods for herself.

Prosecutor Craig Jones told the court that the amount allegedly taken was likely to exceed £85,000.

Williams, however, has denied wrongdoing. Her barrister, Jon Tarrant, said that all financial activity was carried out with the full knowledge and consent of the individual concerned.

The case has been listed for trial on December 15. Williams remains on bail until that date.