Community

Value your local bobby

Published

10 years ago

April 20, 2015

bobby BOBBIES with local knowledge making local decisions – they’re crucial to helping residents of rural Wales feel safe. High-level new research by university specialists reveals that communities want stronger neighbourhood bonds with the police. Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon, who funds the work known as Rural Connect, said: “Local policing is vital. I want offi cers to know – and be known – in their communities. That way we build trust and confi dence.

This research is an important reminder of some old lessons. Local people say the small stuff matters. We must tackle the crime and antisocial behaviour that doesn’t make headlines but does make their lives miserable. Senior offi cers must encourage the eff ort needed to build grassroots relationships; they must empower local offi cers to make judgments. Clear communication between the police and public is vital but it takes time, skill and eff ort. Rural Connect contains strong messages from the public and the police. It’s an important piece of research that will help us improve how we police rural communities.”

Dyfed-Powys has unique challenges due to its rural nature; it’s the biggest police force area in England and Wales, covering more than half the landmass of the principality, and has a thinly spread small population of around 520,000. In light of the report, Mr Salmon’s actions will include exploring: • Better mobility for local offi cers, including cycles and mopeds;

• More Special Constables with specialist local or professional knowledge;

• A Say Hello! campaign encouraging offi cers and public to speak more often.

• Local initiatives to replace ineff ective PACT meetings;

• More public access to mediation. He is already considering how schools work can become the responsibility of local offi cers. He wants a better 101 system, more investment in police IT, a review of police middle management and to review provision of the Bobby Van service : ‘Its withdrawal was a mistake’.

The research was led by the Universities’ Police Science Institute (UPSI) based at Cardiff University and used the expertise of Aberystwyth University’s Department of Law and Criminology. It included detailed discussions with members of the public, police offi cers and police staff . The sessions were run by UPSI, the Commissioner’s Offi ce and Dyfed-Powys Police. The key question was: “How can the police best connect with people living in rural communities?” Mr Salmon said: “The voices in this research deserve to be heard. They highlight key areas that we need to address. Some of these areas require small tweaks; others need more fundamental work. I will explore them all in more detail with the Chief Constable.” The Rural Connect report is published today and concludes that, although excellent work is being done by police communities across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys, much still needs to be done. It recommends that neighbourhood police offi cers and volunteers should be fully valued, that local knowledge should be developed and retained, that local decision making should be encouraged and that the police should connect more with local people.

Mr Salmon said: “This research is already having an impact; it’s being woven into the force’s strategy for rural policing which is being developed. I want the police to be innovative and outward-thinking in working with local people. Already I’ve removed their targets, have brought a new focus to community policing, have created 30 new police offi cer posts and IT will bring 100,000 more hours on the beat this year. Police offi cers are using my grants to help local organisations thrive, they’re embracing innovations such as Twitter and I regularly witness strong relationships between offi cers, PCSOs and local people. But there’s a long way to go. The public have given me more ideas about what they want, I’ll be working hard with the Chief Constable to drive improvements and I’m already starting to build on the Rural Connect research.”

Sarah Tucker, a research associate at UPSI, said: “Working together with Dyfed Powys staff and offi cers we were able to listen to and understand the issues that aff ect them and their communities, creating an evidence base to inform future decision making.” Rural Connect report author Kate Williams, senior lecturer in criminology at Aberystwyth University and deputy director of the Welsh Centre for Crime and Social Justice, said: “Working in partnership with Dyfed-Powys staff we were able to learn that both the police and the people in rural communities cherished a positive working relationship. With decisionmaking based on an understanding of local needs, the trust between police and rural communities would build and the connection would strengthen.” Other research just published on behalf of Mr Salmon includes an UPSI study into research literature on rural policing.

Community

Protest in Pembroke Dock over release of convicted sex offender

Published

1 day ago

March 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A SMALL group of protesters gathered outside a house in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (Mar 19) following the release of convicted sex offender Matthew Gilbert.

The demonstration took place on Water Street, where Gilbert now resides. Protesters, including some youths, voiced their concerns about his presence in the community, particularly due to the number of young children living nearby. The property is also close to a local boxing club used by youngsters.

***Assaulted teenage boy: Matthew Gilbert***

Gilbert, 39, was previously sentenced to 16 months in prison after sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy on a bus traveling from Haverfordwest to Milford Haven. During the incident, Gilbert sat next to the teenager, engaged him in conversation, and proceeded to touch the boy’s thigh inappropriately. The victim later reported feeling “frozen” and “shocked” by the assault.

At his sentencing, the judge described Gilbert as posing a “significant risk to young boys” and placed him on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

In addition to this offense, Gilbert has a record of other criminal activities. He previously admitted to making obscene phone calls to the Pembroke Dock fire station, which caused distress among the emergency crew. He was also convicted of sexually assaulting another man in Neyland in September 2023.

Residents are now questioning why Gilbert has been allowed to reside so close to children and a boxing club frequented by young people. The protest on Tuesday remained peaceful, with police confirming that no arrests were made.

Authorities have yet to comment on whether further action will be taken regarding Gilbert’s presence in the community.

Community

Inquest opens into teenager’s death in Burton

Published

1 day ago

March 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

AN INQUEST has opened into the death of 15-year-old Kady Hannah Absalom, who was found at a property in Burton on Saturday, March 15.

HM Coroner for Pembrokeshire, Paul Bennett, heard that emergency services were called to the property at 4:27pm. Paramedics were already at the scene, where the teenager was reported to be in cardiac arrest. She was pronounced dead shortly after.

Coroner’s officer PC Carrie Sheridan confirmed that the girl who sadly died was Kady Hannah Absalom, a school pupil born in Haverfordwest.

A post-mortem examination was carried out by Dr Stephen Leadbeatter at West Wales General Hospital in Carmarthen.

Dyfed-Powys Police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, with enquiries ongoing.

The death has deeply affected the local community, with Haverfordwest High School issuing a letter to parents expressing their sorrow. Headteacher Mrs J Harries described the loss as a “great shock” and extended her condolences to Kady’s family and friends.

The school has offered pastoral support to pupils affected by the tragedy and urged the community to be mindful of the impact of sharing unverified information on social media.

Mr Bennett expressed his sympathies to Kady’s family, saying: “I would like to say how sorry I am for the family that they have to endure not only the loss of their daughter but also the inquest process itself.”

The inquest has been adjourned until June for a review hearing.

Community

Drinks-related litter found on 99% of Welsh beaches

Published

3 days ago

March 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY’S latest report has revealed a troubling rise in litter on Welsh beaches, with drinks-related waste present on 99% of those surveyed.

The charity’s annual State of Our Beaches 2024 report highlights that glass bottles were found on almost half (49%) of the surveyed beaches in Wales. The findings have prompted calls for the Welsh Government to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) that includes glass, aligning with the rest of the UK.

Growing problem of beach pollution

In 2024, volunteers conducted 119 surveys across Wales, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. A total of 1,073 volunteers participated in the Marine Conservation Society’s beach clean programme, recording all litter found along 100-metre sections of coastline. The data, collected over 30 years, helps the charity identify pollution trends and advocate for cleaner seas.

On average, 120 litter items were recorded per 100-metre stretch—an increase of 4% from 2023—suggesting the problem of beach pollution is far from solved.

Call for urgent action on deposit scheme

The report found an average of 10 drinks-related litter items—including cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles—per 100-metre section. With drinks-related waste appearing on nearly every surveyed beach, the Marine Conservation Society is urging the Welsh Government to implement a DRS that includes glass.

Elise Lavender, Parliamentary Affairs Officer for Wales at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “We support the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme in Wales that includes glass and allows reuse. We are calling on the Welsh Government to implement this as close as possible to the UK-wide scheme launch in October 2027. Bringing this forward will help ensure a smoother transition, improve recycling efforts, and contribute to a more sustainable future for Wales.”

Glass bottles pose a growing threat

A total of 175 glass bottles were collected by volunteers, with glass litter recorded on almost half of the beach cleans. The Marine Conservation Society’s data indicates that glass waste on beaches is increasing, with 2024 ranking as the ninth highest year for glass litter since records began 31 years ago. Broken glass poses a serious threat to both marine life and beachgoers, with sharp edges causing potential injuries.

With the presence of drinks-related litter so widespread, the Marine Conservation Society says its data highlights the urgent need for a DRS in Wales to reduce waste and encourage a culture of reuse and recycling.

Success of deposit schemes in other countries

Under the proposed DRS, consumers would pay a small deposit when purchasing drinks, which they would receive back upon returning the empty container to a collection point. Similar schemes have seen success in countries such as Finland, Lithuania, and Sweden. Ireland’s recent introduction of a DRS has led to an 80% reduction in drinks-related litter per kilometre of beach, demonstrating the potential impact of such a system in Wales.

While England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are set to roll out a UK-wide DRS in October 2027, Wales has chosen to develop its own version, which will include glass containers.

Lottery funding supports clean-up efforts

For the past decade, players of the People’s Postcode Lottery have helped fund the Marine Conservation Society’s beach cleaning initiatives.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at the People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Beach cleans are about more than just removing litter. The information collected by Marine Conservation Society volunteers contributes to valuable datasets identifying pollution sources and trends over time so we can all take action to reduce marine pollution and protect our seas.

“I’m delighted funding raised by players of Postcode Lottery is supporting beach cleans, where every piece of litter collected and recorded brings us a step closer to healthier oceans.”