News

Extra security from Dyfed-Powys Police

Published

10 years ago

March 31, 2016

Holiday Watch: PC Dave White shows of his euipment

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are now offering a free ‘Holiday Watch’ programme to all Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Powys residents.

Holiday Watch has been designed for those going away on holiday this year who are concerned about leaving their homes vacant for the duration of their time away. The scheme has been pioneered by Dyfed-Powys Police’s Neighbourhood Development Team and began last year.

The programme now offers a free loan of security equipment to individuals who have poor security measures or have a high level of fear of a crime occurring whilst they away on holiday. Dyfed-Powys Police also offer crime prevention advice to ensure that residents’ homes are kept as safe and secure as possible.

PC Dave White of the Neighbourhood Development Team said: “There are a range of benefits to this scheme including cutting crime rates, keeping away opportunist thieves, making vulnerable homes more secure while people are away on holiday, and reassuring the public.”

Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP) provided funding for a number of secure boxes containing a variety of security products.

The person loaning the security essentials kit will need to attend a police station and sign the relevant documentation and following that, they will be given advice on where to place the equipment.

PC Michelle Parry said: “It is important that you protect your home while you are away on holiday. You can pick up the box before you go on holidays and then return everything on your return.”

Councillor Pam Palmer stated: “I would urge householders to take advantage of this excellent scheme by loaning the equipment. It is a simple measure that householders can take to make their property safer.”

Extra tips for protecting your property whilst you are away which are recommended by police are double checking that windows and external doors in your properly are locked, having a door chain fitted, making it look like you’re at home by setting lights on a timer twitch, asking a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your home, and avoiding announcing travel plans on social media. Also, investing in a good quality alarm is recommended as external alarm boxes act as a good visual deterrent for burglars.

Kate Thomas, Manager of CSP, concluded: “The Holiday Watch scheme builds on the work already carried out to advise people to consider home security while away on holiday to ensure peace of mind.”

To find out more about this scheme, call the Neighbourhood Development Department on 101, choosing option 3 or alternatively speak to a member of your local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Charity

Christmas jumper fundraiser raises £360 for youth counselling

Published

2 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CHRISTMAS Jumper Day fundraiser held by staff at W.B. Griffiths & Son Ltd has raised £360 for the Megan’s Starr Foundation, helping fund vital mental health support for young people.

The money, presented to the charity by Carla and Liam, will pay for 10 professional counselling sessions for young people who are struggling and in urgent need of support.

The Megan’s Starr Foundation said the sessions provide a safe space for young people to talk, be listened to, and feel supported at a time when it matters most.

In a statement, the charity thanked the firm and its staff for getting involved, adding that access to timely support can be life changing and can help young people realise they are not alone.

The foundation said it was grateful to everyone at W.B. Griffiths & Son Ltd who took part, describing the donation as one that will have a real and lasting impact on local young people and their mental health.

News

Investigation launched after man found dead near Carmarthen railway line

Published

2 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man whose body was found in a field close to the railway track near Carmarthen railway station.

Emergency services were called to the area at just after 8:30am on Saturday (Jan 10). Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended alongside paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Witnesses reported seeing police and ambulance vehicles outside the station’s main entrance, with officers also in an adjacent field near a railway bridge.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

A police spokesperson said enquiries are ongoing and the death is currently being treated as unexplained.

No further details, including the man’s age or identity, have been released.

Crime

Former Gwent detective would have been sacked after off duty assault conviction

Published

3 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Ex officer found guilty of gross misconduct following Devon incident and magistrates court conviction

A FORMER Gwent Police detective sergeant has been found guilty of gross misconduct after being convicted of assaulting a man while off duty in Devon.

Joanne Marston resigned from the force shortly before an accelerated misconduct hearing was due to begin at Cwmbran on Monday. The panel went ahead in her absence.

The hearing was told the incident happened in February 2024 while Marston was off duty in Devon. She was later arrested and charged with common assault, and was convicted at Exeter Magistrates’ Court in March last year.

A professional standards investigation concluded she had breached the police standards of professional behaviour relating to discreditable conduct. The panel upheld the allegation and found it amounted to gross misconduct.

Had she remained a serving officer, the panel ruled she would have been dismissed without notice.

Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend, who chaired the hearing, said the former officer’s actions were “shocking and unacceptable” and warned that such behaviour damages public confidence in policing.

Marston will now be placed on the College of Policing barred list, preventing her from serving with any police force in the UK.