Crime
Vehicle thefts in Pembrokeshire more than double in a year
And Dyfed-Powys sees UK’s biggest rise in car crime as local figures surge
VEHICLE thefts in Pembrokeshire have more than doubled in the space of a year, new figures obtained by The Herald reveal.
Data released under the Freedom of Information Act shows 61 vehicles were stolen in the county in 2024, compared to just 29 in 2023 — a 110% year-on-year increase.
The figures form part of a wider spike across the Dyfed-Powys Police force area, which saw the largest annual increase in vehicle thefts of any police force in the UK, according to a new report by Go.Compare. The force recorded a 52% rise in thefts between 2023 and 2024.
However, the problem appears to be especially acute in Pembrokeshire, where the local increase far outstrips the force-wide average.
Five-year trend shows 428% increase
Looking further back, Dyfed-Powys has seen a 428% rise in vehicle thefts since 2019 — the steepest increase recorded anywhere in the UK over that period.
All four Welsh police forces featured in the national top ten for vehicle theft increases in 2024: Gwent was up 20%, North Wales 14%, and South Wales 9%.
Rural areas targeted by gangs
The Herald understands that part of the rise in Pembrokeshire may be linked to organised criminal gangs, targeting remote rural areas and high-value keyless vehicles such as 4x4s and commercial vans.
Police and insurers are urging vehicle owners to take extra precautions — including the use of steering wheel locks, home CCTV systems, and keeping key fobs in Faraday pouches to prevent keyless entry thefts.
While national vehicle thefts fell by 3% last year, rural and coastal counties like Pembrokeshire are seeing a rising trend, with criminals reportedly viewing such areas as softer targets.
Situation in 2025
As of 28 July 2025, Dyfed-Powys Police has already recorded 28 vehicle thefts in Pembrokeshire — indicating that the issue remains ongoing.
Despite the rise, Dyfed-Powys remains one of the safest areas in the UK for motorists, with just one vehicle stolen for every 1,666 registered — the second-lowest theft rate in the country.
The Herald will continue to monitor the situation and report on developments affecting local drivers.
Crime
70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach
A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.
Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.
The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.
Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.
Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.
Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.
“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.
The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.
Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.
“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.
When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”
Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”
As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”
A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.
Crime
Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order
A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.
The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.
The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.
It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.
A plea of not guilty was entered.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.
A reporting restriction remains in force.
Crime
Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site
A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.
Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.
The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.
Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.
Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.
The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.
The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.
The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.
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