News

Police warn against vigilantism and ‘taking law into own hands’

Published

7 years ago

June 14, 2018

Police in Haverfordwest: A group gathered earlier this month follows reports of a convicted paedophile living in the town (Pic: Herald)

DYFED-POWYS POLICE is urging members of the public not to engage in vigilantism following recent incidents in Pembrokeshire.

They say officers have been called to areas of the town where there have been pockets of disorder based around a group of people with a desire to reveal the identities of offenders.

This includes an incident in Haverfordwest following concerns a convicted paedophile had been released into the community earlier this month.

The police force has warned that action will be taken against those who commit offences during these incidents.

Chief Inspector for Pembrokeshire Mark McSweeney said: “Following recent incidents, I have personally met with members of the Monkton community, along with the Pembroke Neighbourhood Policing Team, a councillor, and representatives of Pembrokeshire Council, to discuss issues that were causing all parties concern.

“I am confident that we and our partner agencies now have plan moving forward that will begin to address some concerns that the community has raised.

Angry mob: Up to 200 people gathered in a street in Monkton in 2017 over concerns about a sex offender (Pic: Herald)

“We understand that the drive behind this activity is to protect the community, but any member of the public who has information about any offences should get in contact with the police first so we can investigate and bring people to justice.

“By engaging in activity in the attempt to disrupt criminal activity, people are taking risks they don’t understand, and can undermine ongoing police operations. For example, revealing the identity of alleged suspects gives that person the opportunity to destroy evidence before the police can investigate them.

“It also leads to people who have been identified going missing or raising concerns for their safety. This can divert significant resources into protecting suspects, which would be better invested in investigating and, where there is evidence, prosecuting them.

“There is also the risk of wrongly accusing someone and the impact that has on them, and importantly, they have no way of safeguarding victims, unlike our officers.

“We are aware that in some instances local action has been taken against people residing in a community that others do not believe should be there. We would like to reassure that where there is a need to monitor individuals, officers will be carrying out these duties diligently.

“Once again, I would urge people not to take the law into their own hands, but to contact us to raise concerns.

“To report an ongoing incident where there is an immediate threat to life or property, always phone 999. In a non-emergency situation dial 101.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

16 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

17 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

18 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.