News

Elderly couple victims of scams

Published

11 years ago

May 14, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Scam mail: The mail received by the
elderly Pembrokeshire couple

THE SON of an elderly South Pembrokeshire couple who spent more than £40,000 of their life savings on fake prize draws has urged others whose family may have also been taken in by scam mail to seek help from Trading Standards.

The man, who does not wish to be named, has spent years urging his parents to ignore junk mail – to no avail.

He said: “Over the years the stress it has put on my father and mother both emotionally and financially has taken its toll on their lives. It has also had a severe impact on other members of the family as well who have tried in vain to advise and intervene in my parents’ actions.”

The problems started around 14 years ago when his father, then aged 75, responded to an advert to buy books and videos.

The couple started to receive more and more junk mail, and his father would make it a priority to respond to it – often staying up late into the night to complete the paperwork for prize draws.

Important mail, such as doctors’ appointments, utility bills, and letters from the local authority, would be completely ignored so that he could continue to respond to the scam mail.

A few years later, he started to develop dementia, and although his son tried to intervene many times, his father still believed he would win – and that he was actually working for some of the companies that were contacting him so frequently.

At the peak of the problem in 2008, the couple were receiving approximately 30 to 40 letters a day – the vast majority from overseas.

But they denied that they were responding to it and hid it all over the house – in cupboards and under the bed.

“My parents were very secretive because they had effectively been ‘groomed’ by the scammers not to tell anyone about what they were doing,” said the son, who is 62.

Over a two-year period, the best part of £9,000 was sent to 70 different companies with payments ranging from £10 to £250, often with multiple payments made on the same day.

And they continued to send money – despite receiving a letter from the Office of Fair Trading saying they were victims of a scam, and cheques returned by the Canadian Police.

At last, after lengthy negotiations with Royal Mail, the son was able to re-direct their mail. Thanks to an understanding bank manager, who made him a signatory on their bank account, he was also able to take control of their finances.

“Because of the mental health issues of my parents I was unable to gain Power of Attorney but eventually with the help of the DSS I was made an appointee for my parents, which allowed me to handle their affairs with regards to benefits, council tax, electricity etc,” he said.

He added: “Until recently when I had a meeting with Pembrokeshire Trading Standards I felt alone and climbing an uphill battle with what at times seemed insurmountable opposition from regulated authorities who would not deal with a ‘third party’ only with the person named on the bill. If you are worried or concerned about a parent or member of the family who you believe is being scammed, take heart. There are ways around the system, you have to take control of the situation and stop the flow of mail and ‘demanding letters’.”

Pembrokeshire’s Trading Standards service has held a number of surgeries throughout the county offering advice on scams, and further ones are planned.

“Scams can cause a lot of anxiety. We are urging anyone concerned about them to contact us, so that we can provide help and professional advice,” said Nigel Watts, Trading Standards, Animal Health and Welfare Manager.

Cllr Huw George, Cabinet Member Environmental and Regulatory Services, said anyone could be taken in by a scam.

“These scams are incredibly convincing and many people in Pembrokeshire are being targeted,” he said. “If you think you or your family has been affected, please seek advice. The bravest phone call is the first one to Trading Standards.”

The son added that sadly, the hoaxes are so believable that his parents are still not convinced that they were the victims of scams, despite over two years of intervention.

“Even now, if my parents were to receive another letter promising them that they are ‘A Guaranteed Winner’ of an astronomical sum of money they would continue to believe it,” he said.

There is advice on how to avoid scams on the County Council’s website at www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/ tradingstandards

If you think a member of your family or someone you care for has been affected by a scam – or if you think you have – please contact Pembrokeshire’s Trading Standards team via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506 / 040505 (for Welsh speakers).

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.

To find out more about Specsavers or to book an appointment at your local store, visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores.