News

Police remind the vulnerable to beware of bogus and cold callers

Published

9 years ago

October 12, 2016

door-knock-preview FOLLOWING reports of a spate of recent cold calling events in Pembrokeshire, Dyfed-Powys Police are reminding homeowners and relatives of vulnerable people to be vigilant to the risks of cold callers.

Bogus callers prey on the most vulnerable people in our communities attempting to con them out of vast amounts of money for unnecessary and overpriced work. Sometimes they pretend to be from reputable companies and sometimes they resort to distraction tactics.

Cold callers will phone or knock your door unannounced and try to sell you a product or service. Many are genuine but some can be scams.

Sergeant Geraint Lewis, of Dyfed Powys Police, said: “Unfortunately not everyone who knocks unannounced at your door has a genuine reason for being there. Bogus callers are criminals and we encourage residents to beware and know what to do if they do receive a visit from a bogus caller with making sure you ask for ID a priority, along with fitting and using a door chain. If in doubt, keep them out.”

Police in Pembrokeshire are warning homeowners and relatives of elderly and vulnerable people to be aware that bogus and cold callers are out there and to advise of some simple steps people can take to protect themselves:

Consider fitting a chain on the door – and always use it. Remember to keep the door chain on until you are sure your caller is genuine.
Do not let anyone into your home that you do not know or until you are completely satisfied that they are who they say they are.
Make sure the caller is genuine. Ask to see identification. If in doubt, telephone the company the caller says they work for. Don’t use a number on their card but look it up in the phone book.
Don’t let the caller stop you doing these things by saying he or she is in a hurry. A genuine caller won’t mind waiting outside with the door closed while you ring.
If you are blind, partially sighted, or have difficulty moving about, you can arrange to have your meters read at an agreed time by a named person. When they call, the meter reader will give their name or an agreed password. If you are worried ring the police.
Ask a neighbour or friend to visit while the caller is there
Never leave a key hidden outside the home (e.g. under a doormat)
If you are selling your home, don’t show people around on your own. Ask your estate agent to send a representative with anyone who wants to view your house.

Call 101 to report a suspected bogus caller or rogue trader. Call 999 if they become aggressive or to report a distraction burglary.

For more advice on protecting yourself and your home from bogus callers visit www.dyfed-powys.police.uk or call 101.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

10 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.