News
PCSOs in Wales celebrated in campaign
A CAMPAIGN recognising Police Community Support Officers and the value they add to policing in Wales is being celebrated for its second year next week (Dec 10-14).
Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) work on the front line providing a visible and reassuring presence on streets throughout the country.
The campaign, called #ThoseInBlue, is being supported by Dyfed-Powys Police, South Wales Police, Gwent Police, North Wales Police and British Transport Police. All week they will be showcasing the work of their PCSOs and recognising the vital role they play.
PCSOs are the eyes and ears of police in communities – building trust and gathering information that is crucial to tackling crime and antisocial behaviour.
Dyfed-Powys Police’s Temporary Deputy Chief Constable, Richard Lewis, leads the portfolio for PCSOs in Wales. He said: “PCSOs are an integral part of the police family. It is different to being a warranted Police Officer, and is a job in its own right.
“PCSOs are not only the eyes and ears in our communities, but also help tackle problems which cause the most concern for people living in Wales.
“PCSOs bring a wide range of skills and experience to the role and in the Dyfed-Powys area we have specialist PCSOs tackling rural crime, cyber crime and antisocial behaviour, and crime reduction experts.
“This Christmas, PCSOs will be a reassuring presence for some of the most vulnerable people living in towns, cities and villages across Wales.”
As part of the campaign, Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Officers will be heading ‘back to the floor’ – going on patrol with PCSOs working across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys.
All week PCSOs across Wales will be using #TweetMyWeek on Twitter to showcase the work they do every day that helps keep people safe. Follow the hashtag or keep up with the campaign on Dyfed-Powys Police’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
If you have concerns about crime or antisocial behaviour in your community speak to a PCSO or call 101.
MEET A PEMBROKESHIRE PCSO
Name: PCSO Daria Osmolak
Where you’re stationed: Milford Haven
Length of service: Less than one year.
Why did you join: I have always wanted to join the police – it has been my dream since I was a little girl. I want to make a difference, play a part in the community, support the public in difficult times. I want to make them feel safe and protected. I would like to think that I am approachable and committed to helping all members of the community.
Best moment: Using my translation skills to help negotiate with a Polish man who was in distress. As challenging as it was at that moment in time, I felt relieved that our efforts helped to keep the male safe and it was the best feeling ever knowing that he was going to be ok.
Interests outside of work: I enjoy restoring old furniture and finding new ways to use old things, giving a new look and purpose to items most people would put in the bin. I also love travelling and learning about new cultures and as I am a big foodie I love discovering new cuisines.
Aspirations: My aim is to be a Detective Constable in the future, as I am keen to gather information, solve crimes and protect my communities. For the time being I thoroughly enjoy my current role and I will put every effort into this position and will strive to be the best PCSO I can be.
Speciality: Being able to communicate in two languages – Polish and English.
Previous experience: I worked in food retail for 11 years carrying out different roles. I started as a shop assistant working 14 hours a week and within 6 years I worked my way up to a full time Duty Manager. I was responsible for the safety of workers and all customers as well as monitoring and managing the day to day running of the shop.
Education
Milford Haven School first to achieve gold in carer’s scheme
MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL have been recognised for their commitment to and support for young carers and is the first school to achieve the top level award.
The school have achieved the Investors in Carers Gold Level award for its work for learners and staff who are carers.
The scheme is delivered by Hywel Dda University Health Board and supported by local authority and third sector partners in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.
The Investors in Carers initiative was originally designed to help health facilities such as GP practices, areas within hospitals and other organisations focus on and improve their carer awareness.
This scheme has now extended to many other teams, services, and organisations. It is a scheme that provides a foundation for helping to identify and support unpaid carers of all ages.
Milford Haven School was assessed against the six themes within the scheme: Carer Lead, Staff training, Identification, Information and Support for carers and Evaluation.
Janette Reynolds, Assistant Head Teacher said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive the Gold Investors in Carers Award, it is a testament to our commitment to supporting and recognizing the invaluable contributions of carers within our community. It was about developing a culture that respects, empowers, and advocates for the wellbeing of carers at Milford Haven School.
“We will continue to strive towards providing the best possible support, ensuring carers feel valued and equipped to balance their responsibilities.”
Pembrokeshire County Council Carers Champion, Councillor Mike James said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. Everyone at Milford Haven School should be extremely proud of their hard work and commitment that has led to them becoming the first school in Pembrokeshire to receive the Gold Investors in Carers award.
“The award recognises the awareness and support for carers provided by the school and this is to be congratulated.”
A carer is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Anyone can become a carer; in most cases becoming a carer is not out of choice, it just happens.
For more information about the Investors in Carers scheme or for useful advice for carers, please visit: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/carers
Crime
Pembrokeshire man admits ‘overstepping’ in stalking case
A HAVERFORDWEST man acknowledged he ‘overstepped’ following charges of home burglary and stalking.
Spencer Lepetit, aged 35 and residing in Hawthorn Rise, faced Swansea Crown Court accused of entering a Pembroke property on August 16 with the intent to steal a mobile phone. Additionally, between September 3 and 19, he allegedly trespassed repeatedly on a woman’s property, made multiple phone calls from an unknown number, and loitered outside her home, causing her significant alarm and distress.
Lepetit denied both charges but accepted responsibility for a lesser stalking offence, which was deemed suitable by Prosecutor Thomas Scapens, leading the Crown Prosecution Service to drop the burglary charge.
Lepetit’s defence, Jon Tarrant, described the circumstances as a result of a “toxic relationship,” stating, “He attempted to reconnect but went beyond acceptable limits.”
Judge Huw Rees ordered a pre-sentence report and remanded Lepetit in custody, with sentencing scheduled for November 22.
News
Police confirm man found dead in Clarbeston Road property
A MAN has been found dead at a property in Clarbeston Road on Friday (Nov 1).
Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the scene, with reports later emerging of a significant police presence near The Cross Inn public house.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said “We were called to the Clarbeston Road area, just before 8.15am on Friday 1 November, after concerns were raised for the welfare of a person.
“Sadly, a man was found to have died at the location.
“Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.
“We can confirm the death is not being treated as suspicious, and the HM Coroner is being informed.”
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