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Crime

Welsh Conservatives call for stronger action as rural crime rises in Wales

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RURAL crime is once again in the spotlight this week as Rural Crime Action Week gets underway across the UK. The annual initiative aims to highlight the impact of theft, fly-tipping, livestock worrying and other offences that continue to affect farmers and rural residents.

Figures show that while rural crime has been falling in England and Scotland, incidents are on the rise in Wales. NFU Mutual’s latest Rural Crime Report estimated the cost of rural theft in Wales at more than £2.5 million last year, with quad bikes, tractors and fuel among the most common targets.

Kurtz demands urgent action

Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Samuel Kurtz MS, said the Welsh Government must do more to support rural communities.

“Rural Crime Action Week is vitally important to the rural community in Wales. Often isolated and unheard, victims of rural crime face unique challenges that are too easily overlooked and this week will shine a light on the realities of those affected, as well as the action needed to better protect them,” he said.

“With rural crime on the rise in Wales yet falling in England and Scotland, we must do all we can to ensure we protect rural Wales and our key industries such as agriculture. The Labour Government in Wales must work closer with the local authorities and liaise with their counterparts in the UK Government in order to strategise a suitable plan to stamp out rural crime and safeguard the future of our rural communities in Wales.”

The Farmers’ Union of Wales said rural crime continues to be a major concern for its members, particularly livestock worrying and fly-tipping. A spokesperson told The Herald: “The financial and emotional impact of rural crime is severe. Farmers feel targeted, and many live with the fear of repeat incidents. Stronger policing, public awareness and tougher penalties are all needed.”

Dyfed-Powys Police, which covers the largest rural area in England and Wales, has a dedicated rural crime team. Officers are carrying out patrols and community engagement events during Rural Crime Action Week. Inspector Brian Jones said: “We know the damage these offences cause. Rural crime is not victimless – it affects families, businesses and entire communities. We are committed to working with farmers and residents to deter offenders and bring them to justice.”

Recent cases in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion have seen farmers losing thousands of pounds after quad bikes and trailers were stolen from farmyards. In one case near Cardigan, a farmer reported the theft of £20,000 worth of machinery overnight. Meanwhile, dog attacks on sheep remain a persistent problem, with police reminding owners to keep pets under control.

Campaigners say the week of action is a chance to raise awareness and encourage rural residents to report suspicious activity. With political pressure building, the debate over how to deal with rural crime in Wales is set to intensify in the Senedd in the months ahead.

 

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

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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.

 

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Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

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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.

 

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Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

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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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