DRIVERS using Pembrokeshire County Council car parks are being warned about a QR code scam that has been reported across the UK – with Tenby’s multi-storey car park among the latest to be targeted.

Fraudsters are placing fake QR codes on parking machines and signage, which direct users to imitation websites that look like genuine payment platforms. A member of the public was nearly conned out of £59.99 after scanning one of the fake codes in Tenby.

Tenby’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said they have been “engaging with Pembrokeshire County Council parking staff regarding a recent incident of illegal QR codes placed on the pay and display areas in Tenby multi-storey car park.”

They urged the public not to scan QR codes when paying for parking, adding that Pembrokeshire County Council does not use QR codes for car park payments.

Instead, the council uses PayByPhone as an alternative to cash. Drivers are advised to download the official app from their phone’s app store and not follow any links from QR codes.

The council added that neither it nor its enforcement partner issue fines by text message.

Similar scams have been reported elsewhere in the UK and were previously described as a “cruel hoax” by Kensington and Chelsea Council.

Motorists are reminded that payments made via fake QR code websites may lead to larger sums being taken from their accounts, often without realising the money has gone to criminals.

IT was a weekend of frustration for Pembrokeshire’s top rugby sides, as Narberth narrowly missed out on valuable points in the Premiership Division and Crymych suffered a heavy defeat in the Championship (West). Despite showing fight and flashes of quality, both teams were ultimately undone—Narberth by second-half ill-discipline, and Crymych by a well-drilled Trebanos side.

Neath 29 – Narberth 21

Narberth produced a spirited performance but came away empty-handed after a hard-fought battle against high-flying Neath in the Premiership Division. The Otters showed impressive character, recovering from a 17-point deficit to trail by just a single point at the break—but second-half disciplinary issues ultimately proved their undoing.

Neath stormed into an early lead with two tries from Rhodri Wall and one from Iestyn Morgan, with Steff Williams adding a conversion. Narberth responded with tries from winger Dean James, scrum-half Lewys Gibby, and centre Llew Jones. Fly-half Osian Evans converted all three to keep the visitors in touch.

However, the tide turned when Jones was shown a second yellow card, and replacement Alex Williams also saw time in the sin-bin, reducing Narberth to 13 men. Neath took full advantage, with centre Kieran Charles crossing for a decisive try, converted by Williams, extending the gap to eight points—just out of reach for a losing bonus point.

The result leaves Narberth hovering just above the relegation zone, with Bonymaen close behind and holding a game in hand.

Trebanos 45 – Crymych 12

Crymych endured a heavy defeat on the road as a depleted side, still reeling from a recent illness outbreak, were comprehensively beaten by a slick Trebanos outfit in the Championship (West).

The Preseli Men trailed 19-0 at the break but managed second-half scores through captain Carwyn Phillips and replacement Jac Delaney, with one converted by Elis Thomas. However, it wasn’t enough to stem the flow as Trebanos ran in seven tries.

Home captain Steffan Lewis led the charge with a brace, while Sam Lewis, Matthew Hutchinson, Conor Thomas, and Rhodri Jones (2) also crossed. Kris Jones added five conversions to round off an emphatic victory.

Crymych remain in the relegation zone, but with four matches left to play, their hopes of survival are still mathematically alive.

NEYLAND 54 – PEMBROKE 10

NEYLAND RFC stormed to the Division Four (West) A title in emphatic fashion on Saturday (Apr 13), running in eight tries to crush Pembroke and seal a memorable campaign with silverware.

A first-half onslaught saw the All Blacks race into a 28-0 lead, with tries from Josh Watts (2), George Williams, and Oli Rothero. Scrum half Owen Hamer was at the heart of Neyland’s dominance, setting a relentless tempo and providing slick service from the base.

Watts completed his hat-trick after the break, with Williams adding his second, Fletcher Picton scoring with his first touch off the bench, and a commanding pack effort rounding off the demolition.

There were standout displays across the park, with George Evans, Ben Williams and Owain Evans combining discipline and flair in front of a jubilant home crowd.

To their credit, Pembroke fought to the end and were rewarded with two late consolation tries. Veteran Robin Badham, bowing out at 39, delivered a defiant final performance, supported by Scott Powell and Deryn Williams. Outside half Lewis Davies battled on bravely after an early knock, while Fletcher Broadhurst, playing on permit, impressed throughout and was named man of the match.

After the final whistle, Welsh rugby stalwart Anthony Buchanan presented the trophy to Neyland captain George Williams, sparking celebrations to mark one of the most successful seasons in the club’s history.

Cover Pic: Peter Davies