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Police warn of fatal driving mistakes this Christmas

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Welsh-policeDYFED-POWYS POLICE has revealed the biggest dangers faced by drivers, and the three top tips to stay safe on the roads this winter.

The Roads Policing Unit features in the latest in a series of short Behind the Scenes videos produced as part of the force’s Operation Safe and Nice to All (Op SANTA) advent calendar, which is being opened each day on social media.

PCs Leah Evans and Alex Jones have reminded drivers about the Fatal Five – the main causes of serious and fatal road traffic collisions dealt with by the force – and offered advice to drivers on how to stay safe.

PC Alex Jones said: “My primary role within the Roads Policing Unit is dealing with serious and fatal road traffic collisions.

“When we are not dealing with incidents we deal with the causes of them, and we group those up – we call the main causes the Fatal Five.”

The Fatal Five are:

  1. Speeding
  2. Using a mobile phone while driving
  3. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  4. Not wearing a seatbelt
  5. Driving in a dangerous or antisocial manner

Tips to stay safe this winter:

If your vehicle breaks down and causes an obstruction, call 101

PC Leah Evans said: “This year we are finding that we have a lot more breakdowns on the roads, especially on busy shopping routes. If you do break down and feel you are causing any sort of obstruction, give us a call. It is not a problem, we will come out and assist you, providing protection for you and your vehicle until the breakdown service comes out to rescue you.”

Police officers can check your car to ensure it is roadworthy

“If you’re not sure if your vehicle is roadworthy at this time of year, feel free to stop and speak to any police officer, or pop into your local police station for advice,” PC Evans said.

Do not check your mobile phone while stationary

“At this time of year we are finding that because of the queues of traffic with people shopping, people are very tempted to pick up their mobile phones while in the queues,” PC Evans said. “A lot of people don’t realise that is an offence, but they are still in charge of their vehicle, their engine is still running, and the vehicle is creeping along slowly so it’s very dangerous to have your attention on your mobile phone and not on the road.”

Throughout December Dyfed-Powys Police is offering advice on how to enjoy Christmas safely. For a daily dose of crime prevention advice, a behind the scenes look at policing during Christmas and a bit of festive fun.

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Crime

Haverfordwest retailer accused of Bounce Back Loan fraud

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A HAVERFORDWEST businessman has been accused of committing fraud by making false representations to multiple banks in applications for Government-backed Bounce Back Loans.

Zahid Afzal, 36, of Albert Street, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Feb 6), where he pleaded not guilty to three charges of fraud by false representation.

The court heard that Afzal, listed on Companies House as a director of Phone Bits Ltd and Phones Onn Ltd, allegedly made false statements to secure loans intended to support businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Phone Bits phone accessory and repair shop in Haverfordwest

Prosecutors claim that on May 12, 2020, he falsely stated to Barclays Bank that the application for a Bounce Back Loan was Phone Bits Ltd’s only application. It is further alleged that he made similar false claims to Starling Bank on July 23, 2020, and to Metro Bank on November 22, 2020, in relation to Phones Onn Ltd.

The alleged misrepresentations included inflating the company’s turnover to £200,000 and falsely claiming the loans would be used solely for business purposes.

Afzal’s case has been sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial, with a hearing scheduled for March 10. He was granted unconditional bail.

An interpreter will be required for the proceedings, as Afzal requires assistance in Urdu.

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Charity

Young fundraiser’s incredible efforts for RNLI

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THE CREW of Tenby RNLI have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to 5-year-old Archie Garland for his outstanding fundraising efforts in support of the station.

Archie took part in the Advent Challenge with the Tenby Aces over Christmas, running a minimum of one mile every day throughout Advent. His dedication saw him cover an impressive 47.3 miles, raising a remarkable £552.25 thanks to generous donations from the local community.

Archie is pictured with (L-R): Deputy Coxswain Gary Waring, his dad and Deputy Coxswain Rob Garland, Deputy Coxswain Dan Young, station full-time mechanic Will Horton, and his mum, Tenby Aces member Claire Thomas.

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Crime

Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn launches ambitious four-year policing plan

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Public trust at the heart of new strategy

DYFED-POWYS Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has unveiled his four-year Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029, outlining his vision to strengthen public trust and confidence in policing.

Plan to strengthen public’s trust in local police service: Dafydd Llywelyn

The plan, shaped by extensive public consultation, sets out priorities for policing, crime prevention, and the criminal justice system across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Powys. It follows feedback from surveys and focus groups, where residents highlighted their key concerns.

The three core priorities of the plan are:

  • Supporting victims and preventing victimisation
  • Preventing harm to ensure safer communities
  • Enhancing the effectiveness of the justice system

Llywelyn formally launched the plan on Tuesday (Feb 13) at an event attended by key partners and commissioned services. The event focused on collaboration, with discussions on how joint efforts can strengthen crime prevention, victim support, and justice delivery.

Victims at the centre

Commissioner Llywelyn emphasised the importance of ensuring victims receive the right support.

“This plan is built on the views of our communities, focusing on what truly matters to the people of Mid and West Wales,” he said. “Victims must be at the heart of our policing and justice system. It is essential that those affected by crime have access to timely, effective support to help them recover and seek justice. Strengthening services that prevent victimisation is just as important as responding to crime itself.”

Tackling root causes of crime

The plan also prioritises crime prevention by addressing underlying issues.

“By tackling antisocial behaviour and vulnerability, we can reduce harm and build a more resilient society,” Llywelyn said. “A proactive, problem-solving approach will ensure resources are used effectively to protect our communities.”

A joined-up approach to justice

Llywelyn stressed the need for stronger collaboration across the justice system.

“A fair and efficient justice system relies on agencies working together. I will continue to work closely with partners to ensure that policing, the courts, and support services deliver justice fairly and effectively for victims and communities alike.”

The Police and Crime Plan sets out a clear vision for Dyfed-Powys policing over the next four years, focusing on improving public safety, supporting victims, and delivering an efficient justice system.

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