DYFED-POWYS Police has celebrated International Volunteer Day by shining a spotlight on its dedicated Police Cadets, who are making a real difference in their communities.

The cadet programme, open to young people aged between 13 and 17, provides opportunities to engage in meaningful community work while developing essential skills. The cadets volunteer their time to support various police initiatives, from organising events to promoting safety campaigns and offering reassurance in the wake of high-profile incidents, such as drugs warrants.

One cadet, Sarah, shared her experience: “Volunteering with the police has taught me valuable skills and allowed me to give back to my community. It’s improved my confidence and it’s rewarding to see the positive impact we can make together.”

The police expressed their gratitude to the cadets for their hard work, dedication, and commitment. A spokesperson said:
“You are the future of community policing, and we appreciate everything you do.”

Join the team
The Police Cadet programme is open for applications. Young people aged 13-17 who are interested in developing their skills, making new friends, and contributing to their community are encouraged to apply via this link.

For those over 17, Dyfed-Powys Police is also recruiting Volunteer Police Cadet Leaders to mentor and inspire the next generation of community policing. More details can be found here.

The programme continues to foster a spirit of service, leadership, and community engagement, ensuring that Dyfed-Powys remains a safer place for all.

NETFLIX viewers are buzzing with excitement over the addition of The Pembrokeshire Murders, a gripping three-part ITV drama now available on the streaming platform. Described as “one of the best true crime series ever,” the show boasts an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 82% and has reignited interest in one of Wales’ most chilling criminal cases.

Based on real events

Adapted from the 2012 book by Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins, the series chronicles his determined efforts to solve two cold cases—the double murders of siblings Richard and Helen Thomas in 1985 and Peter and Gwenda Dixon in 1989. Luke Evans leads the cast as Wilkins, who re-opened the investigations in 2006, utilizing advancements in forensic science and DNA testing to build an unshakable case.

How a game show helped crack the case

One of the series’ most talked-about moments involves footage from a 1989 episode of Bullseye, a popular game show, where suspect John Cooper’s appearance uncannily matched a police sketch. This discovery became a crucial piece of evidence in connecting Cooper to the crimes.

Crucial evidence and a life sentence

Detectives uncovered a wealth of damning evidence against Cooper, leading to his 2011 conviction for the murders. Key findings included:

• Victim’s blood concealed in the hem of Cooper’s shorts.
• Personal items belonging to the victims in Cooper’s possession.
• Ballistic evidence linking Cooper’s firearm from prior robberies to the murders.

Cooper was also convicted of rape, sexual assault, and attempted robbery during the trial. Diagnosed as a psychopath, he is now serving a life sentence.

Critical acclaim for a chilling drama

Directed by Marc Evans, The Pembrokeshire Murders has been lauded for its gripping storytelling and attention to detail. Alongside Luke Evans, the stellar cast includes Charles Dale (Coronation Street), Owen Teale (Line of Duty), and Steven Meo (Gavin and Stacey).

A dark chapter in Welsh history

The murders sent shockwaves through the quiet Pembrokeshire community. The Thomases were killed execution-style at their Scoveston Manor home, which was then set ablaze in a bid to destroy evidence. Four years later, the Dixons were gunned down during their summer holiday, with their bodies hidden along a coastal path.

Netflix’s re-release of The Pembrokeshire Murders has brought this harrowing true crime story to a global audience, offering a stark reminder of the tireless work of detectives who fought for justice and the devastating toll these murders took on the community.

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT must recognise its failure to provide sufficient support for Welsh local authorities to discharge their duties.

So says Cllr Huw Murphy, the Leader of the Independent Group on Pembrokeshire County Council, who warned that without additional funding, council reserves would be drained, and many councils could face bankruptcy.

At a recent meeting, the Independent Group set out its position on Pembrokeshire’s financial challenges, underlining the importance of a balanced and fair Council Tax approach.

“The Independent Group will not push for an unrealistically low Council Tax rise at the expense of essential services,” Cllr Murphy said. “We will support a rise that might be politically uncomfortable but is necessary if fully costed.”

Lack of Welsh Government funding blamed

According to Cllr Murphy, Pembrokeshire’s financial difficulties are rooted in rising social care costs, an unfunded Home Office directive on unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, and out-of-county childcare packages that strain council resources.

Cllr Murphy welcomed efforts by Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey and Chief Executive Will Bramble to raise these concerns with the Welsh Government but stressed the urgency of action.

Speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald, Cllr Murphy highlighted the unfair tax advantages enjoyed by thousands of holiday properties in Pembrokeshire. Many are registered as businesses for non-domestic rates (NDR) but qualify for 100% Small Business Rates Relief, paying neither Council Tax nor business rates.

He argued: “This is unfair and frankly wrong. Every house in Pembrokeshire should pay the standard rate of Council Tax, with holiday rentals and second homes paying an additional levy.”

Councillors also debated reforms to the Second Homes Council Tax. Cllr Murphy suggested: “Bringing all properties under the same taxation umbrella could raise significantly more revenue than the current approach while addressing loopholes like the Welsh Government’s 182-day rule.”

Sobering statistics on Council Tax

Cllr Murphy pointed to troubling figures to illustrate local struggles: “Pembrokeshire County Council has issued 14,000 late payment letters and 4,000 summonses for Council Tax arrears. That shows the difficulties many residents face.”

He emphasised the need for a fair and proportionate approach to setting Council Tax, balancing the protection of essential services with the financial realities of residents.

Tackling empty properties

One area where the Independent Group proposes a bolder approach is Long-Term Empty Property (LTE) Council Tax.

Cllr Alan Dennison suggested a significant increase, proposing a single LTE band from April 2025 with a 250% levy by year three.

“This would raise nearly £2m, with the money going directly to essential services,” said Cllr Murphy. “We also propose a fair exemption process to ensure the policy is balanced.”

Questioning council priorities

The Independent Group also called for a review of capital projects, such as the Riverside development in Haverfordwest and the “Instagrammable bridge,” to identify savings that could ease the burden on taxpayers.

Cllr Murphy criticised the Welsh Government for failing to deliver adequate funding despite claiming its best UK Treasury settlement in 14 years. He also echoed comments from Cllr Jamie Adams, questioning the duplication of public sector roles in Wales and suggesting closer collaboration to reduce costs.

He concluded: “The Welsh Government’s priorities seem clear: funding their expansion to 96 Senedd members instead of supporting councils and services. When councils and households feel the squeeze, those decisions speak volumes.”