Crime

Police scheme to tackle predators on nights out to be rolled out forcewide

Published

8 months ago

June 19, 2025

Project Vigilant will now cover all four Dyfed-Powys divisions

A POLICE operation that uses specially trained officers to spot and disrupt potentially predatory behaviour during nights out is being extended across the Dyfed-Powys Police force area.

Project Vigilant, which was trialled in Carmarthenshire over the Christmas period, involves both plain clothed and uniformed officers working together to identify and intervene where concerning behaviour is observed—before a crime takes place.

Plain clothes officers act as ‘spotters’, trained to recognise signs of sexually predatory or violent conduct. Once such behaviour is identified, uniformed officers nearby are called in to disrupt and, where necessary, take enforcement action.

Following a positive review of the pilot, the project will now be rolled out across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys.

Chief Inspector Dominic Jones said: “This was a new project for Dyfed-Powys Police that we trialled during the busy festive season. It’s an innovative, intelligence-led approach to protecting vulnerable people and preventing harm.

“Everyone should feel safe on a night out. Nobody should have to modify their behaviour to avoid becoming a victim. By targeting those who pose a risk, we can change behaviours and make our communities safer.”

The force received training from Thames Valley Police, where Project Vigilant was first developed. Officers were taught how potential predators may attempt to isolate individuals from their friends or use other concerning tactics. Once identified, uniformed colleagues can then make their presence known and potentially prevent a crime from occurring.

CI Jones added: “Evidence from other forces shows that deploying visible officers alone often results in offenders moving elsewhere. What sets Project Vigilant apart is the use of plain clothes officers to discreetly spot suspicious behaviour, with backup ready to intervene. So far, there is no evidence that this simply displaces the problem.”

While the initiative is focused on reducing sexual and violent offences, the pilot also led to the detection of other crimes. In one case, officers safeguarded a vulnerable woman who had become separated from her friends. On another occasion, a man was arrested for drink driving and possession of ketamine after being spotted driving erratically.

Dyfed-Powys Police officers who took part in the scheme praised its effectiveness. One said: “The training on what behaviours to watch for was really beneficial. That one interaction—asking the right question at the right time—could stop a sexual assault.”

The pilot was funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner under the Serious Violence Duty.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “I’m proud to have supported this project. It’s a proactive approach that ensures officers are in the right place at the right time to prevent harm. The rollout of Project Vigilant across all four divisions reflects Dyfed-Powys Police’s clear commitment to public safety.”

Crime

OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters

Published

2 minutes ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.

Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.

The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.

His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.

Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.

Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.

Crime

Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls

Published

9 minutes ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.

Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.

The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.

She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.

As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.

Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.

She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.

Crime

Man sent to Crown Court over heroin supply and £5,500 cash

Published

13 minutes ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A MAN with no fixed address has been remanded in custody accused of possessing heroin with intent to supply and holding thousands of pounds in suspected criminal cash.

Kieren Jones, aged 28, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9).

He is charged with possessing diamorphine, a Class A drug, with intent to supply it to two unknown persons in Carmarthen on Friday (Feb 7), contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Jones also faces a further allegation under the Proceeds of Crime Act that he acquired, used or possessed criminal property, namely £5,500 in cash, on the same date.

No pleas were entered at the hearing.

Because of the seriousness of the offences, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to the Crown Court.

Bail was refused on the grounds that Jones was likely to offend, interfere with witnesses and fail to surrender to custody.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Swansea Crown Court, The Law Courts, St Helens Road, Swansea, for a plea and trial preparation hearing at 9:00am on Friday, March 13.

The custody time limit expires on August 10.