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Crime

Spike in home burglaries across West Wales branded ‘a big worry’

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THERE has been a sharp rise in home burglaries across west Wales, with new figures showing the Dyfed-Powys Police area has seen the highest percentage increase in the whole of England and Wales.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), reported residential burglaries in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys rose by 27% in the year to December 2024 — significantly higher than the 7% decrease recorded across the rest of Wales and England.

In rural Ceredigion, mechanic Dafydd Jones, 27, fell victim to a break-in at his farm shed in Ffair Rhos on May 12. Thousands of pounds worth of tools were stolen — many essential for his work, and others of sentimental value, including inherited items and those bought during his apprenticeship.

“It’s had a massive impact on me,” Mr Jones said. “Even when I go out to the shops or check the sheep, I’m thinking: ‘Is someone robbing the shed?’ It’s not right when you work hard for what you’ve got.”

He added that rural crime is becoming a serious concern in his area. “Quad bikes, tools – people are losing vital equipment. Everyone I speak to is worried their stuff could be next.”

Dyfed-Powys Police acknowledged the steep increase but pointed to a change in its crime reporting system in 2023, which may have affected the figures. In its own revised data, the force said the actual rise in burglaries was 26%.

Even with the adjusted figures, the region remains the worst-hit for burglary increases across the UK. According to the amended data, Powys saw a 55% rise, Ceredigion 27%, Carmarthenshire 26%, and Pembrokeshire a smaller increase of 1%.

A force spokesperson said: “We recognise the impact that these crimes have on victims and the wider community. Officers are committed to attending and investigating every reported burglary.”

In 2023, forces across the UK adopted a new approach requiring police to attend all reported residential break-ins.

The charity Crimestoppers has urged householders to ensure all doors and windows are locked before leaving home.

Crime

Teenager to face Crown Court trial over strangulation allegations

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Two separate incidents under investigation

A TEENAGER has appeared before magistrates accused of attempting to strangle the same woman on two separate occasions.

Ieuan John, 19, of Plas Peregrein, Steynton, Milford Haven, is charged with attempting to strangle a female on January 6 and again on October 2, 2024. He is also accused of assaulting her, causing actual bodily harm.

“This matter is aggravated by the fact that there are two separate strangulations,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday.

The court heard that police were called to the second incident on October 2 following a report from the female, who alleged she had been punched to the legs and torso. She later attended hospital for treatment, where she disclosed the earlier alleged strangulation.

John denies all three charges.

Following a request from the Crown, magistrates declined jurisdiction and committed the case to Swansea Crown Court. Proceedings will commence on July 25.

John was granted conditional bail. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, must not enter Richard John Road, Milford Haven, and must reside and sleep at his home address.

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Crime

Milford man admits threatening neighbour after 27-year feud

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Victim ‘terrified’ after being called homophobic slur

A MILFORD HAVEN man has admitted using homophobic and abusive language during a confrontation with his neighbour of 27 years.

Andrew Johns, 46, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, where he pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

The incident occurred on May 30 in Richard John Road, when neighbour Elizabeth Radcliffe returned home.

“They’ve lived next door to each other for 27 years, but there have been numerous issues,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan. “That day, when she came home, the defendant started calling her a c*** and said he was going to kill her husband, who he described as ‘a f****** gay muppet’.”

Ms Vaughan said the victim was left feeling terrified in her own home as a result of the outburst.

Probation report ordered

Due to the homophobic nature of the comments and concerns over the defendant’s mental health, magistrates agreed to a request from the Crown Prosecution Service for a full probation report to be prepared before sentencing.

Johns, of Richard John Road, was released on conditional bail until sentencing on July 15. He must not contact Mr or Mrs Radcliffe, either directly or indirectly.

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Crime

Man remanded after escaping police by asking to check on dog

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A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been remanded in custody after escaping from police by claiming he needed to tend to his dog.

Officers attended the home of Zachariah Roberts, 23, in Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, to question him over an alleged breach of bail conditions. During the visit, Roberts asked to check on his dog.

“He was given some latitude by officers,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week. “But instead, he let himself out of the property and made off. It doesn’t get any higher than that.”

Magistrates declined jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the offence. Following a request by Ms Vaughan, Roberts was remanded in custody.

The remand was made on the grounds that he may commit further offences, interfere with witnesses, or fail to surrender to bail.

Roberts is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on July 25.

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