News

Half of Wales ready for burglary

Published

12 years ago

January 6, 2014

HALF of people in Wales (47 per cent) admit to keeping a weapon in their home to protect themselves and their property against intruders this winter, a new survey revealed yesterday.

Researchers found that adults in Wales feel nervous when they are home alone, and therefore keep some form of household item close at hand to defend themselves against potential intruders.

Most popular items reserved as possible weapons should the need arise include heavy torches, baseball bats and walking sticks. While others would reach for objects such as umbrellas, golf clubs, frying pans and even rolling pins.

The poll of 2000 adults by security firm ADT found that Brits would also consider using mops, dog leads, and hoover ends to defend themselves against an intruder.

With the average person’s home broken into at least twice and nearly two thirds of the break-ins in Wales happening when at least one person was at home (62 per cent), the study shows people are resorting to make-shift protection.

It was revealed a quarter of burglaries take place in Wales during the dark winter months (23 per cent) with a third of those polled (31 per cent) admitting to feeling unsafe, with the emotional damage much worse than any material loss.

After robberies had taken place, a sixth of homeowners also admitted to feeling that their property wasn’t their ‘home’ anymore (15 per cent).

Mark Shaw of ADT said: “We are shocked by these results and that people would try to protect themselves in this way.

“It is understandable that people feel vulnerable at the moment particularly with recent data showing a rise in property crime after a 20 year decline but the key to keeping your home safe is always about prevention.

“It is about keeping intruders out of your home and avoiding taking unnecessary risks or confronting burglars.

“Burglars are professionals but research suggests thieves are less likely to target homes with alarm systems.

“When people have been targeted and their home invaded, it can have a lasting effect on their lives but by taking professional security measures people can sleep more soundly without worrying about intruders.’’

The survey revealed that despite its importance, home security in Wales is overlooked with less than a quarter (21 per cent) of respondents saying that they have a burglar alarm or other security devices installed in their homes.

Hiding weapons around the house is just one of the ways homeowners are choosing to keep themselves safe, as researchers discovered a host of other unusual safety measures adopted by adults.

Sleeping with a dog in the room, putting up a ‘beware of the dog sign’ when you don’t have a dog, and putting a chair under the door handle are some of the other ways people choose to feel safe. While others prefer to leave music blaring all day and night, waving to imaginary housemates as they enter the house and going to bed fully clothed.

Other respondents believe that sleeping in glasses, keeping a phone by the bed and making sure the curtains are drawn help them feel secure. Double-checking all the windows are shut, asking the neighbours to check on the property while you’re away and leaving a computer web cam running all night were also named as safety techniques.

Borrowing a friend’s dog for the night and keeping neighbours aware of comings and goings were also adopted by respondents in the study.

Mark Shaw of ADT added: “We understand that homeowners, more than ever before, want to keep their homes and families safe.

“Intruders operate as professionals but the last thing they want is confrontation and homeowners should never put themselves at risk or resort to violence.

“Simple security measures such as keeping doors and windows locked, investing in a security light or a monitored alarm will help ensure householders and their possessions are kept safe.

“When a burglary does happen, it’s not just about what they take, it’s what they leave behind. With Christmas fast approaching, most homeowners will have security at the front of their minds and we are urging homeowners to ensure their home is safe this festive season.”

Crime

Man who threw corrosive liquid at guest and fled abroad jailed

Published

13 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Court Reporter

A BUSINESSMAN who threw a corrosive liquid into a guest’s face during a row at a spiritual retreat before fleeing the country has been jailed for 18 months.

Dean Mayze, aged 38, from Abercrave in Powys, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm following the attack at his Hafan-y-Coed retreat in December 2022.

Swansea Crown Court heard the assault happened after an argument with guest Keifer Price, who had complained about the condition of his accommodation, including a lack of heating and washing facilities.

During the confrontation, Mayze produced a blue container and threw its contents upwards into the victim’s face.

The liquid — described as smelling like ammonia — entered Mr Price’s eyes, nose and mouth, leaving him in severe pain and struggling to breathe.

Medical evidence confirmed injuries consistent with a chemical burn to both eyes. He suffered abrasions, a corneal defect and the loss of the outer corneal layer in one eye, requiring significant treatment to prevent permanent sight loss. He has since recovered without lasting injury.

Fled across Europe

Following the attack, Mayze fled the UK, triggering an international search.

The court heard he travelled across several European countries, including Ireland, France, Italy, Croatia and Greece, before eventually being arrested in Romania in 2025.

Despite being on the run, he remained in regular contact with police by text and email, at one point telling officers he would not be returning to Wales.

His partner initially claimed responsibility for the assault and later received a suspended prison sentence after admitting perverting the course of justice.

Previous conviction

The court was told Mayze has a previous conviction for wounding involving a corrosive substance in Kent in 2013.

Defence barrister Andrew Taylor said his client had experienced harsh conditions while detained in Romania, including contracting scabies without treatment, and described him as remorseful.

However, Judge Geraint Walters said it was “pure luck” the victim had not suffered permanent injuries, describing the attack as a “particularly wicked way of inflicting violence”.

Sentence and order

Mayze, who appeared via video link from prison, had previously denied a more serious charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and made subject to a three-year restraining order.

Crime

Police appeal after man injured in St Davids incident

Published

18 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an incident in St Davids which left one man injured.

The incident happened in Nun Street at around 11:10am on Tuesday, December 30. The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment.

Officers confirmed that a man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident.

Police are now asking anyone with information, dash cam footage, or CCTV that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online at:
https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/

Alternatively, email [email protected], send a direct message via social media, or call 101 quoting reference DP20251230094.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Sexual assault allegation to be tried

Published

19 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Accused granted conditional bail

A SEXUAL assault allegation has been listed for trial following a hearing before magistrates.

David Fletcher, 45, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, appeared before magistrates in Llanelli on Thursday (Feb 12) charged with sexual assault, contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The charge alleges that on March 16, 2025, at Johnston, Pembrokeshire, he intentionally touched a woman aged 16 or over and that the touching was sexual when she did not consent and he did not reasonably believe that she was consenting.

The matter was adjourned for trial and Fletcher was remanded on conditional bail.

The trial is listed for March 9, 2026 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. Bail conditions prohibit him from entering a specified premises in Johnston, from contacting directly or indirectly the complainant or any prosecution witnesses, and from posting any information relating to the investigation on social media. The conditions were imposed to prevent further offending and to prevent interference with witnesses or obstruction of justice.