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New Head of Uniformed Policing appointed

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DYFED-POWYS POLICE has welcomed the appointment of a new Head of Uniformed Policing – Chief Superintendent Vicki Evans.

She joins Dyfed-Powys Police on promotion after transferring from Bedfordshire Police, but this is also a homecoming for her as she was born and grew up in Pembrokeshire.

Vicki Evans joined the police service in 2001 and began her career in Hertfordshire Constabulary. On completing her probation Vicki moved into crime investigation and undertook a number of roles including serious and complex crime investigation, serious and organised crime investigation and counter terrorism.

In 2009, she transferred to Bedfordshire Police, working at various ranks in crime investigation and organisational support roles, including Detective Chief Inspector for Luton and South Bedfordshire, and more recently as Detective Superintendent for crime across the force.

Chief Superintendent Vicki Evans said: “I was born and bred in Pembrokeshire, and my family still live there. I am delighted to return to work in the area I consider home.

“I’ve always wanted to come back home, and as soon as I saw the opportunity I knew that this was the right time for us. I was also thrilled at the prospect of getting back into uniform policing. It was a big draw to be able to be a part of community policing where I grew up.

“I am looking forward to my new role, of course there are challenges ahead, just like in every force. We need to use our resources in the best way possible to ensure our communities feel supported and safe. I want to ensure we’ve got the right resources in the right places and people have access to policing when they need it.

“I am impressed by the level of community support we have as a force, it is such a positive thing and I will work hard to maintain and nurture this.

“I’m very much looking forward to getting out and about and meeting people within the force, partner agencies and our communities. Visibility is really important – I’m keen to get out on patrol and spend some time with the front line because they’re the ones that are doing the job and talking to their communities. I’ll spend some time initially listening and getting to understand the issues faced by officers, staff and communities. The force is doing well and making positive progress, and I look forward to playing my part in enhancing this. It’s exciting – I will be investing back in an area that was fantastic to grow up in, playing my part in supporting and protecting communities throughout Dyfed-Powys.”

 

 

Crime

Threatened to smash up parents’ home after demand for alcohol refused

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Christopher Sizer’s mother told magistrates the family could no longer cope with his behaviour and repeated demands for money

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been sentenced after threatening to damage his parents’ home with a hammer when they refused his demands for pizza and alcohol.

Christopher Sizer made the threats on March 3 while at his parents’ property with a group of friends.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the 38-year-old had repeatedly asked his parents for money, causing increasing tension within the family.

“He came downstairs asking for pizza and drink, but was told there was already food in the house because they could not stretch to buying more,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan said.

Sizer then referred to a hammer he knew was kept inside the property.

“He told his parents he would use the hammer to damage the windows and that he would also kick the doors in,” Ms Vaughan told the court.

In a victim impact statement, Sizer’s mother, Kay Sizer, said she and her husband were no longer able to manage their son’s behaviour.

“If we don’t give him what he wants, he threatens to kill himself,” she said.

“If we have a night away, he phones the hotel and constantly asks us for money. My husband has had to get another job just to bring in additional money.

“We can’t cope with this behaviour any more, nor with the threats he makes against the house.”

Sizer, of Prescelly Place, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to threatening to destroy or damage property.

Defending, Tom Lloyd said Sizer had paranoid schizophrenia and had lost his temper on the night of the offence.

“He said certain things which he regrets,” Mr Lloyd said.

“The defendant needs help and is willing to engage with the probation service to get it.”

Sizer was sentenced to a 12-month community order, including a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement and ten rehabilitation activity requirement days.

A two-year restraining order was also imposed, preventing him from contacting either of his parents directly or indirectly.

The order prohibits him from visiting any property occupied by his parents and from posting anything online or on social media that refers directly to them.

Sizer was fined £100 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs.

 

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Crime

Man sentenced after smashing four holes in bedroom wall

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Adam Vickery damaged the Pembroke Dock social housing property after sending threatening messages to his partner

A MAN has been sentenced after smashing four large holes into the bedroom wall of a social housing property in Pembroke Dock.

The criminal damage was caused on the night of December 21 after Adam Vickery arrived at the rented home of his partner, Cerys Randall.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that earlier that evening Ms Randall had received numerous messages from Vickery while she was at work, some of which were threatening.

“When she got home, she walked upstairs to her bedroom and heard a series of bangs,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court.

“She discovered Adam Vickery smashing up her bedroom, so she phoned the police.”

When officers arrived, they found four large holes in the plaster walls of the bedroom.

The property is owned by Pembrokeshire County Council and rented through Ateb housing association, with Ms Randall named as the sole tenant.

“I don’t know how to say this, but I’ve had enough,” Ms Randall said in a victim impact statement read to the court.

“I’ve tried to help so much in the relationship, but there’s nothing more I can do.”

Vickery, of West Percy Street, North Shields, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage and was represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher.

“The defendant came down at Christmas to visit his children but found out that Ms Randall was going to take them away from him that night,” said Mr Kelleher.

“He became frustrated and took that frustration out on the wall. He fully accepts that this was wrong and that he now loses his good character as a result.”

Vickery, who had no previous convictions, was fined £40 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £16 court surcharge.

No compensation was awarded for the damage because the local authority had not provided sufficient information about the cost of repairing the wall.

 

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Crime

Narberth retailer speaks of shoplifting toll after ‘collectable bear’ stolen

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Independent shop owner said rising costs meant businesses could not afford to absorb losses caused by theft

A NARBERTH retailer has described the damaging impact shoplifting is having on independent businesses after a £120 collectable bear was stolen from her shop.

The owner of Matilda’s boutique and gift shop told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court that thefts were adding to the growing financial pressure faced by traders already struggling with rising costs.

Her victim impact statement was read during the sentencing of 45-year-old Christopher Brockway, who admitted stealing a pink leopard Charlie Bear from the High Street shop.

“People think they can just steal without realising the impact it has on other people and their families,” the proprietor said.

“I’m an independent retailer who has worked hard to set up my business, but it’s a real struggle to keep it going.

“I can’t afford thefts like this with the rising cost of electricity, and I just can’t absorb losses like this.”

The court heard that Brockway entered Matilda’s on May 12 before placing the £120 collectable bear inside his jacket.

CCTV footage showed him leaving the premises without making any attempt to pay.

Brockway, of Silverdale Lodge, Johnston, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop.

Magistrates ordered him to pay £120 compensation to Matilda’s.

He was also fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £32 court surcharge.

 

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