News

Two arrested for distraction thefts

Published

9 years ago

November 23, 2016

Welsh-police

A ROMANIAN national who conned three different Pembrokeshire businesses out of £200 each using a “sophisticated” sleight of hand technique was jailed for 40 weeks yesterday (Nov 22).

Baron Rostas, 27, who gave an address in Rotherham, pleaded guilty to three charges of theft from a shop, all of which took place on November 17, at Ultracomida in Narberth, Monkton Post Office, and The Best One in Charles Street, Milford Haven.

Bobi Anghel, 18, pleaded not guilty to the same charges, along with charges of driving without a valid licence and insurance.

Prosecuting, Abul Hussein said that Rostas had gone into various premises and purchased items. He had then produced a large quantity of £20 notes, and asked for them to be changed in to £10 notes. He then discreetly pocketed a quantity of the cash, before telling the cashier that he had changed his mind and swapping the money back.

“He has confused the cashier, and distracted them, so they don’t realise that he has taken the money,” Mr Hussein added.

The theft of £200 in each case was not noticed until the till were cashed up at the end of the day.

The court was shown CCTV footage of one of the incidents, which indicated Rostas palming money to one side, and concealing a number of notes in his left hand.

Defending, Mark Layton said that Rostas was willing to pay compensation of £600.

Describing his previous offending as “limited”, Mr Layton said that Rostas, who has previously been convicted for a similar matter, was employed as a car washer in Rotherham.

It had been claimed that he had travelled to the Pembrokeshire area to purchase a car, only to find that it had a serious defect when he arrived, but this was not verified.

“These were thoroughly unpleasant offences, but the defendant could only have obtained a limited amount through the deception,” Mr Layton added.

Speaking through an interpreter, Rostas told the court that he was “extremely sorry” for his behaviour, and assured magistrates that there would be no repetition.

Magistrates told Rostas that the offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence was appropriate.
“These were planned, professional and sophisticated offences, which cause significant harm to small businesses,” they added.

In addition to the 40 week custodial sentence, Rostas was ordered to pay compensation of £600, costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £140.

Anghel will be tried at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on December 19. He was released on conditional bail until then.

Inspector Aled Davies said: “We are very pleased with the sentence handed out to Rostas. It was obvious that these two passing offenders were intent on committing crime and offences during their travels and I am pleased to say that their crime spree came to an abrupt halt in Pembrokeshire.

“Travelling criminals such as these are greedy, dishonest and do not care who they target. Their sole purpose in committing such crimes is to steal money for their own personal benefit. It was a pleasure to be part of the team who eventually arrested and detained these two offenders.”

This week (Nov 21-25) Dyfed-Powys Police are working with partners across the UK to stop criminals using the road networks both within and coming from outside the UK as part of Operation Trivium. Officers will be stopping vehicles and checking drivers’ details with the purpose of dealing a major blow to mobile criminality.

Inspector Davies continued: “Travelling criminals cause distress, annoyance and loss to their victims. Our role is to protect and safeguard the communities that we police. My message to all mobile criminals would be to stay away from Dyfed-Powys – we will always take positive action against travelling criminals and if caught they will be taken to court and prosecuted.

“I would like to take this opportunity to warn people in the Dyfed-Powys community to be wary of money changing scams. Always be vigilant and suspicious of these types of offenders, whose sole purpose is to confuse, using sleight of hand trickery to steal your money.

“If you believe that someone is attempting to commit such offences, do not engage or interact with them and report the incident at your earliest opportunity by calling 101.”

Crime

Cocaine deaths spark regional summit across West Wales

Published

1 hour ago

May 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Health, police and support services unite after rising concerns in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire

COCAINE has been identified in a significant number of drug-related deaths across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire over the past year.

Frontline teams have also reported rising incidents of violence, aggression and criminal justice involvement among people accessing drug and alcohol support services.

Dyfed-Powys Police data shows cocaine is now the force’s second most seized drug, and remains widely used across a range of settings.

In response, the Dyfed Area Planning Board brought together representatives from health, policing, commissioned services, social services and community organisations for a regional summit aimed at understanding the scale of the problem and agreeing joint action.

Hywel Dda’s Community Drug and Alcohol Team opened the event with an overview of emerging substance use trends. Dyfed-Powys Police then shared enforcement intelligence, while Public Health Wales provided a national perspective on stimulant use.

Clinical specialists also outlined the impact of cocaine use on maternity services, blood-borne virus transmission, exercise culture and the night-time economy.

The summit concluded with harm reduction training and group discussions focused on strengthening prevention, treatment pathways and community support across West Wales.

Steve Reynolds, Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service manager, said: “DDAS are incredibly encouraged by the success of this cocaine summit. Cocaine-related harms are complex and evolving, and through collaboration and open dialogue we can respond effectively.

“The summit reinforced the importance of reducing stigma, expanding access to support, and ensuring that people who use our services receive compassionate, person-centred care.

“We remain committed to working with partners in developing practical actions that improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.”

Detective Superintendent Gareth Roberts, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “It was a pleasure to host this valuable event at Dyfed-Powys Police.

“As a force, we are committed to working in partnership to improve the health, wellbeing, and safety of our communities as we work hard to reduce the risk of drug-related harm.”

Craig Jones, Hywel Dda Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, said: “This summit marks the beginning of a coordinated regional effort to reduce harm, improve outcomes and strengthen support for individuals, families and communities affected by cocaine use.

“Partners will now work together to address availability, risk reduction and access to support.”

Anyone experiencing problems with substance use, or anyone seeking more information about the Community Drug and Alcohol Team, can visit hduhb.nhs.wales/drug-and-alcohol.

Crime

Farm owner in court after 26 dogs removed over welfare concerns

Published

2 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Council awarded control of animals after magistrates hear claims of unlicensed breeding

A PEMBROKESHIRE farm owner has appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court after 26 dogs were removed from her care under animal welfare legislation.

Rachel Roberts, of Penlan Oleu, Puncheston, appeared in court on Friday (May 1) in relation to an application brought under Section 20 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 following action by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The court heard that 26 dogs had been taken into possession, including spaniels, dachshunds, poodles, chihuahuas and six puppies.

It was alleged in court that Roberts had been breeding and selling dogs without the appropriate licence, and that some animals had not received the correct vaccinations.

Magistrates granted the application, allowing Pembrokeshire County Council to take control of the dogs and make decisions about their future, including rehoming.

Roberts was also ordered to pay £99,463.35 in costs to the council.

RSPCA investigation

An RSPCA investigation was reportedly opened last year after images emerged of horses said to be in poor condition.

The Herald has also been contacted by a concerned member of the public, who provided videos and photographs which they claim show a dead horse concealed beneath wooden pallets.

The source further alleged that a person staying at the property had witnessed a horse being dragged by its neck using a tractor.

These claims have not been independently verified by The Herald.

Wider allegations

The Herald has also been told that other members of the family may have been involved in the sale of dogs from the property, with allegations that animals were later sold outside Pembrokeshire.

The paper understands that Roberts’ daughter, Eliza Roberts, has previously appeared before the courts in connection with dog-related offences.

Roberts, 36, was sentenced to three months in prison and banned from owning animals for seven years after pleading guilty to two counts of possession of a fighting dog and one count of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.

The charges followed an incident in Hanwell, near Banbury, on March 26, in which a schnoodle named Winnie was killed by two XL Bully dogs, Kobi and Kardi.

At the sentencing hearing, Roberts was ordered to pay £1,295 compensation, and a destruction order was made for the dogs.

Community

Historic Haverfordwest church launches urgent repair appeal

Published

2 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST church which has served the town for more than 150 years has launched an urgent appeal for help with essential building work.

St David and St Patrick’s Catholic Church is seeking to raise £3,000 towards repairs to its ageing roof and building structure.

The church, which dates back to 1872, says the work is needed to protect both the historic building and the community services based there.

The appeal has been launched by Helen Johnson through GoFundMe, with the fundraiser saying the church remains an important place of worship, welcome and support for people from a wide range of backgrounds.

The building was designed by Richard Williams of Carmarthen and has been part of Haverfordwest life for generations.

Alongside its religious role, the parish and volunteers from the St Vincent de Paul Society support local families, elderly residents and vulnerable people facing poverty, loneliness and hardship.

Weekly lunch clubs provide warm meals, friendship and a place for people to meet and socialise.

The appeal says that without urgent financial support, maintaining the church and continuing this community work will become increasingly difficult.

The fundraiser states: “Every donation, no matter how small, will help preserve this historic church and the community support it provides for future generations.”

As of Wednesday (May 20), the appeal had raised £10 towards its £3,000 target.

If you can donate, click HERE.