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Crime

Dyfed-Powys Police hit by more than 400 data breaches in three years

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Force pays out thousands in compensation following incidents

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has confirmed it has experienced more than 400 data breach incidents since 2022 — with thousands of pounds paid in compensation to affected individuals.

Figures released following a Freedom of Information request by Data Breach Claims UK show that in 2022 the force recorded 104 data breaches, rising to 134 in 2023, before dropping slightly to 126 over the past year.

The incidents range from inappropriate sharing of information to misdirected emails, with “inappropriate sharing of data” the most common cause — accounting for 114 cases. A further 75 incidents involved emails being sent to the wrong recipients.

Force statement

In response to the figures, Dyfed-Powys Police told The Herald: “Dyfed-Powys Police takes its responsibilities in respect to data breaches very seriously. The force has processes in place for data breaches to be reported, all of which are investigated by the Data Protection Team.

“Dyfed-Powys Police follows the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) guidance and reports data breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office, where they meet referral criteria. Additionally, those subject to a data breach are informed, when required, in line with NPCC guidance.

“The Data Protection Breach Policy sets out everyone’s responsibilities in respect to data breaches, and the Force Information Security Policy is also available online.”

The FOI response was issued with a caveat that the figures may include duplicates, reports later found not to be breaches, or incidents caused by other organisations.

Compensation claims

Since 2022, six claims have been lodged against the force relating to data breaches, leading to a total of £6,500 in compensation being paid. The largest payout — £6,000 — was made in the 2024/25 financial year.

Bethan Simons, a solicitor at JF Law, said: “Breaches don’t always have to be complex cyberattacks. Many are caused by human error — misdirected emails, loss or theft of devices containing sensitive information, or accidental publication of data.

“Internal mishandling can also occur, such as officers accessing data without authorisation or failing to redact sensitive details. To prevent these breaches, forces must prioritise data protection measures, comprehensive staff training, encryption of devices, and strict data-sharing policies.”

National concern

A 2020 study by VPNoverview found UK police forces had suffered more than 2,000 data breaches in a single year, raising concerns about both cyberattacks and insider threats.

Data breaches within police forces can lead to victims suffering financial loss, identity theft, fraud, harassment, and severe emotional distress, as well as affecting ongoing investigations.

 

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

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Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

 

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Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

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FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.

 

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Crime

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

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Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation

A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.

The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.

Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.

During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.

 

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