DYFED-POWYS POLICE is urging parents and carers to keep closer track of their children’s whereabouts following a recent rise in youth-related antisocial behaviour and criminal incidents in Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock.

Officers say they have received an influx of calls in recent weeks reporting large groups of young people gathering in specific locations, including the former Tasker Milward School site. Behaviour linked to these gatherings has caused harassment, alarm and distress to local residents and business owners.

Concerns have also been raised about alcohol consumption and incidents in which young people have been injured while trespassing on disused or unsafe buildings.

Neighbourhood policing and prevention teams are carrying out additional patrols and working with partner agencies and local businesses to tackle the issue.

Pembrokeshire County Council is also increasing security at the former Tasker Milward School building. Measures include replacing damaged boarding and fencing panels, installing anti-climb paint and defender strips, and clearing debris from the site to reduce opportunities for antisocial behaviour and minimise safety risks.

Police say additional resources — including response officers and specialist units — have been allocated to provide what they describe as a robust response.

Officers are using a range of legal powers under antisocial behaviour legislation, including requiring individuals to provide details under Section 50 of the Police Reform Act and directing people to leave an area for up to 48 hours under Sections 34 and 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.

Where offences are identified, police say positive action will be taken and prosecutions pursued where appropriate.

Superintendent Louise Harries, BCU Commander for Pembrokeshire, said: “The impact of this antisocial behaviour on our communities and local businesses cannot be underestimated. We want to reassure residents that we are taking robust action using the powers available to us and working closely with partner agencies.

“Regarding the former Tasker Milward School building, I want to be absolutely clear that breaking into a building could not only amount to a crime but is also extremely dangerous. Children have already been injured at the site, and we cannot allow this to continue.

“We are asking parents and carers to speak to their children about their behaviour, where they are spending their time, and who they are associating with. Many of the groups involved are travelling from different areas in Pembrokeshire, and it is important that parents are aware of this.

“Antisocial behaviour and criminal offences can have long-term consequences for young people, including potential impacts on education and future employment. Early intervention is key to preventing this, and we are asking for parents and carers to support our efforts in keeping these children, and our local community, safe.”

Parents and carers concerned about their child’s behaviour can seek support through the Pembrokeshire Families’ Support Network or by contacting their local neighbourhood policing team.

Residents are encouraged to report antisocial behaviour via 101 or online. In an emergency, always dial 999.

POLICE were called to a burglary at a convenience store in Milford Haven during the early hours of Tuesday (Feb 24).

The incident happened at the Best One store on Charles Street, where two suspects are believed to have forced entry by smashing a pane of glass in the main door.

A member of staff told The Herald that the offenders stole vapes and tobacco products before fleeing the scene. However, their getaway was short-lived, as police detained two suspects around 30 minutes later. Both suspects are currently in police custody.

When a Herald reporter attended the shop at approximately 1:00pm, officers were still present carrying out enquiries, including the collection of CCTV evidence.

Despite the damage to the entrance, the store remains open to customers.

Dyfed-Powys Police have been approached for an official comment.

Former UK ambassador questioned over alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein as political pressure mounts

FORMER Labour cabinet minister Lord Peter Mandelson has been arrested after police searched two of his homes as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office.

The 72-year-old, who previously served as the UK’s ambassador to the United States, is accused of leaking sensitive government information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Officers were seen at one of his properties earlier this month, and he was later taken from his London home in an unmarked police vehicle.

His arrest comes only days after Prince Andrew was detained on suspicion of similar offences, with police also carrying out extensive searches of his residences, including Royal Lodge, over an eleven-hour period. Investigators are now expected to examine electronic devices seized during the operations, including phones and computers.

The Metropolitan Police previously confirmed that warrants were executed at addresses in Camden and Wiltshire in connection with an ongoing investigation involving a 72-year-old man suspected of misconduct in public office.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart said officers from the Met’s Central Specialist Crime team were leading the inquiry.

The allegations relate to documents reportedly contained within files linked to Epstein, which appear to suggest Mandelson shared confidential or market-sensitive government information during his time in office. The extent of his association with Epstein has become a major political controversy, raising questions about vetting and judgement at the highest levels of government.

The situation has also created significant political pressure on the Prime Minister, who had appointed Mandelson to the ambassadorial role last year. Downing Street has since been forced to release thousands of emails and messages relating to the appointment, with officials continuing to review the correspondence.

Several MPs have publicly criticised the decision to appoint Mandelson, with some calling for senior figures within government to take responsibility for what they describe as a serious lapse in judgement.

Police have not yet confirmed whether any charges will follow.