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Heroin addict pleads guilty to spree of thefts

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A HEROIN addict used taxis to take him to shops across Pembrokeshire, where he carried out a series of high-value thefts to service his drug debts.

27-year-old Mount Estate resident Adam Vivian Barlow pleaded guilty to seven charges of theft from a shop and admitted breaching the conditions of his police bail when he appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court from custody on Thursday (Sept 20).

Prosecuting, Sian Vaughan suggested that the total value of the thefts – committed over the course of a month – was around £1,700.

“The facts very much speak for themselves – this involved the prolific stealing of items from a number of stores,” she remarked.

The court heard that on August 10, Barlow stole a Sharpe television from Tesco in Pembroke Dock valued at £200.

On August 28 motoring goods of an unknown value were stolen from B&M Bargains in the same town, and four days later Barlow shoplifted £109.99 worth of Lego from Tesco and a £190 hoverboard from Aldi. On the same day he stole over £400 of groceries from Tesco.

Moving further afield, on September 12 Barlow visited the Haverfordwest branch of Boots, where he stole toiletries and electrical equipment valued at £423, and the Co-op in Kilgetty, where he took almost £300 of alcohol and ‘high-value cuts of meat’.

Following his arrest, Barlow admitted the thefts. The court heard that some of the items, including the hoverboard, were recovered when Barlow left them in the taxi he had ordered to commit the offences.

Barlow’s solicitor Dan Griffiths said his client was ‘realistic’ about his likely sentence. Mr Griffiths explained that Barlow was addicted to heroin and had stolen the items to discharge his debt to drug dealers.

“He is a drug addict with no fixed or stable address and no money,” he remarked.

District Judge Christopher James told Barlow that removing the security tags from items – and booking a taxi to carry out some of the thefts – showed ‘an element of planning’.

Barlow was sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment for each of the offences, with all sentences to run concurrently. On release, he will pay a victim surcharge of £115.

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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