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Reporting and detecting rape offences

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detecting rapeDYFED POWYS POLICE has welcomed the report from the HMIC on the numbers of reported and detected rape offences in the force area for the year up until March 2013.

The police say they encourage people to be confident to come forward and report rape to them, and they have robust processes in place to record, investigate and do their best to detect the crimes and bring offenders to justice.

It is pleasing to see that the statistics for the Force show that the number of reported rapes of adults fell in the last year from 63 to 53 offences. To ensure they put the victim first, they record each crime that is reported to them within 24 hours, whereas the national standard of recording the crime is within 72 hours. Out of those, 21% were detected, which is above the national average.

In relation to the statistics for the rape of children the number of offences recorded by the force equated with the national average. Out of those, 26% were detected, again in line with the national average.

Detective Superintendent Shane Williams said, “We know that we have low numbers of rapes of both adults and children in Dyfed Powys, but it is important to remember that each of those numbers represents a victim. This crime is unacceptable and we are fully committed to doing everything possible to detect each and every crime and bring offenders to justice.

“To ensure the highest standards of investigation, each allegation of rape reported is led by a Detective Inspector, supported by officers who are trained in sexual offences, and every line of enquiry is followed through to ensure that we have the very best evidence on which to base a prosecution.

“We know that most of the offences that take place in Dyfed Powys, the victim knows the offender; we have very few stranger rape offences. For those crimes that have not been detected it is important to recognise that in the vast majority of these cases an offender was identified, arrested and interviewed. Despite our best efforts there are times when the evidence does not meet the threshold for prosecution. This means that although an offender has been identified the crime will remain undetected.

“As well as fully investigating offences of rape, we also recognise the importance of raising awareness of what constitutes rape and sexual assault, how to report it and the support available. An example of this is our work with colleges and universities during fresher weeks.

“As part of our robust investigation process we investigate all offences, and we do not release offenders on bail without consulting with a senior investigating officer, who will undertake a thorough assessment of the case.

“We work closely with partner agencies, including the Sexual Advice Referral Centre (SARC) to ensure the very best support to our victims of rape, and we are currently working with experts from Barnardos to further develop and enhance our knowledge of the sexual exploitation of children.”

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon said: “I welcome this report produced by HMIC on behalf of the Rape Monitoring Group. It’s important that such scrutiny is applied to data related to rape.

“In Dyfed-Powys I’m eager that we have a true picture of crime and that it’s not hidden so I encourage victims to report rapes. Actions can then be taken by agencies including the police to help them and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“To help in that process, we must demonstrate the effectiveness of the Criminal Justice response to rape where it is effective. Equally, we must show what’s being done to improve the system when it’s not being effective.

“During Monday’s Policing Performance Board I’ll be asking the Chief Constable questions about the Dyfed-Powys matters highlighted in the HMIC report.”

If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault you can call us on 101 or contact the sexual assault referral unit on 01267 235 464 or visit www.newpathways.org.uk. To find out more about rape and sexual assault visit www.dyfed-powys.police.uk and click on advice and support/look after yourself.

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Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigns following child abuse report

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THE Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has announced his resignation following the publication of a damning report that reveals the Church of England covered up decades of abuse by prominent barrister John Smyth QC.

Welby stated: “Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign.”

The resignation follows the release of the independent Makin review last week, which detailed how Smyth, over a span of five decades, abused children and young men in the UK and Africa. The report estimates that as many as 130 boys and young men suffered severe physical, sexual, psychological, and spiritual abuse at Smyth’s hands, leaving lasting scars on their lives.

The review highlighted a critical missed opportunity, concluding that Smyth might have faced justice had Archbishop Welby reported the abuse to police a decade ago. Smyth, who died in Cape Town in 2018 at age 75, was under investigation by Hampshire Police but was “never brought to justice for the abuse,” according to the report.

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Climate

Wales eyes £47 billion in renewable energy investment by 2035

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WALES is on the cusp of a £47 billion renewable energy investment wave that could transform its economy, create thousands of jobs, and breathe new life into communities. This promising outlook was unveiled today at the Future Energy Wales 2024 conference at Newport’s ICC, showcasing preliminary analysis by BiGGAR Economics on the economic potential of renewable energy across the nation.

Commissioned by RenewableUK Cymru, in partnership with Solar Energy UK and Marine Energy Wales, the study highlights the substantial economic gains Wales could achieve by meeting its renewable energy targets across onshore wind, offshore wind, solar, and tidal power.

Heavy lift: The turbine under construction (Image: MHPA)

The research projects an average annual investment of nearly £4 billion, reaching a peak of £7 billion by 2028. Offshore wind alone is expected to attract £32.4 billion, forming the foundation of Wales’ economic growth through 2035. However, capturing this opportunity requires an effective industrial strategy and substantial port infrastructure upgrades to support thousands of new, high-quality jobs.

While offshore wind presents long-term growth, onshore wind offers Wales a rapid boost, with a potential £4.5 billion in investments enabling an increase to over 3 GW capacity by 2035, contingent on addressing planning and grid capacity challenges.

The NESO 2030 Clean Power report underscores the need for grid reform to expedite renewable energy across the UK, but Wales remains hampered by immediate planning resource shortages.

The latest data from the 2024 Welsh wind power report shows a surge in renewable project interest, with Wales’ pipeline expanding by 18% this year, from 9 GW in 2023 to over 10.5 GW in November 2024, largely due to new onshore wind projects. However, with current deployment rates, Wales is forecast to contribute only 5% of the UK’s total wind capacity by 2035—well behind Scotland’s 64 GW target.

RenewableUK Cymru’s Call for Strategic Support

Jess Hooper, Director of RenewableUK Cymru, said:

“Wales stands at the threshold of a historic opportunity. By harnessing this renewable investment potential, we can secure Welsh jobs and build a robust, long-term local economy. But achieving this vision requires strong, immediate support from both the UK and Welsh governments.

“We urge a coordinated, four-nations approach to accelerate wind deployment and grid upgrades. With strategic investment in grid capacity and planning, wind energy can become central to Wales’ clean energy future—delivering real benefits for our climate, economy, and communities.”

£47 Billion Equals 208 Principality Stadiums

Nikki Keddie, Director at BiGGAR Economics, added:

“The scale of Wales’ renewables potential is extraordinary. The £47 billion needed to reach our targets is equivalent to building 208 Principality Stadiums. Investment in renewables will boost energy security, employment, industrial growth, and rural development.

“To maximise economic benefits, it’s crucial to dismantle barriers to project delivery and create opportunities for local businesses to capture value. We look forward to the next phase of this report, where we will detail the economic share Wales can secure.”

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Could you be a fire fighter? Fire service experience day in Haverfordwest

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is hosting an Experience Day in Haverfordwest on Tuesday, 19 November, from 9:30am to 12:30pm.

This three-hour event provides a unique opportunity to explore a career in the fire service. Attendees will get an in-depth look at:

  • The role of a modern firefighter
  • Trying on firefighting gear and equipment
  • Steps in the recruitment process
  • Fitness requirements for the job
  • The equipment and PPE used by firefighters
  • Career pathways and development within the service

It’s an ideal chance to discover what firefighting is all about.

Registration is essential. To reserve your spot, visit Experience Days – Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

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