Crime
Dyfed-Powys among safest areas in UK for gun crime
DYFED-POWYS has been named as one of the safest police force areas in the UK for firearm offences, with new figures showing only 20 cases recorded across the region in the past year.
The latest UK Weapon Ownership Report, compiled by security experts Get Licensed, reveals that Dyfed-Powys sits in joint fourth place for the lowest number of firearm offences per capita, alongside Cambridgeshire. Both forces recorded just four offences per 100,000 people between April 2023 and March 2024.
The safest area in the country was Suffolk, with just 11 firearm offences during the same period. By contrast, Cleveland and West Yorkshire topped the table, each recording 26 offences per 100,000 residents.
Pembrokeshire context
The figures will come as reassurance to residents across Pembrokeshire, where concerns about violent crime have risen in recent years. The county, alongside Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Powys, falls under the Dyfed-Powys Police force area.
With Pembrokeshire’s economy heavily reliant on tourism, safety figures such as these are likely to be welcomed by both local people and visitors alike.
Wider picture
Across England and Wales more than 6,000 firearm offences are recorded annually. The Metropolitan Police registered the highest total, with 1,248 offences, but the capital ranked lower on a per-capita basis due to its large population.
The report also highlights broader trends in gun ownership. While the total number of firearm certificates has dropped over the past decade – from 153,603 in 2014/15 to 145,306 in 2024/25 – per-capita ownership is now at its highest level in years, with more than 1,000 certificates per 100,000 people.
Notably, 66 children under 13 currently hold shotgun licences, and nearly 1,000 teenagers aged 14–17 are licensed to own firearms or shotguns.
Rural forces
North Yorkshire, another rural police force area, has the highest rate of legal firearms certificates, with 6,588 issued last year. By comparison, Dyfed-Powys recorded one of the lowest firearm offence rates, underlining the contrast between rural and urban areas when it comes to gun crime.
The report concludes that while firearm-related crime remains relatively rare outside of major cities, continued monitoring of illegal possession and safe storage of legal weapons will be key to maintaining low levels in counties such as Pembrokeshire.
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.
-
Local Government7 days agoFishguard children’s home application is a ‘legal test’, not planning merits decision
-
Community5 days agoDogs removed after welfare concerns at Milford Haven property
-
Crime7 days agoDrink-driver hit bicycle and failed to stop
-
Crime6 days agoPembrokeshire hairdresser avoids prison after pub assault
-
Crime6 days agoPembrokeshire man charged with making hundreds of indecent images of children
-
Business6 days agoHandcrafted garden furniture built to last across Pembrokeshire
-
Charity6 days agoRow erupts at Spitfire museum after Reform poster displayed at charity premises
-
Community6 days agoCancer patients targeted with parking fines outside Haverfordwest support centre







