News

Figures show continued efforts to keep communities safe, say police

Published

5 years ago

April 20, 2020

FOLLOWING the release of national figures by the National Police Chief’s Council, relating to crime and policing during the ongoing pandemic, Chief Constable Mark Collins has commented on the work ongoing across the Dyfed-Powys Police area to support the national effort.

“The figures released this week reflect the work that has gone into ensuring that we do all we can to protect our communities across the four counties we serve.

“Whilst our population number in relative terms is small, we cover half of the landmass of Wales. Annually we welcome more than ten million people to our area, and while together with our partners we have said for now, our counties are closed, some people haven’t listened to this and have continued to put communities and the NHS at risk.

“My officers have been out there for the last two weeks, since the legislation was introduced, working hard to engage and educate those who are out and about with no reasonable excuse.

“The need for us all to do this is clear – we are being asked to stay at home and limit our movement, in order that we can relieve pressure on our NHS, and ultimately provide people with a better opportunity to survive, should they be infected with the virus.

“The vast majority of our communities are complying with what we have all been asked to do, and I hope discussion today in relation to the action we have taken against those who risk putting us all in danger, sends a sign that Dyfed-Powys Police will do all we can to help this national effort succeed.”

Further to the operational data and comments provided by the Chief Constable, Dafydd Llywelyn the Police and Crime Commissioner stated that the figures show the exceptional proactive work of Dyfed Powys Police in responding to the COVID-19 Emergency.

“I have been impressed with the level of activity across the Force area during this critical time and I would like to publicly thank officers, staff and volunteers working hard to safeguard our communities.

“I am also proud of the majority of the public who have responded positively to the guidelines and have shown resolve and patients during this difficult time.

“In terms of the workforce abstraction rate and overall change to crime related demand, it is very pleasing and reassuring to see that we compare well to the national averages”.

Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued…
since introduction of legislation \| 27.03.2020 – 14.04.2020	368
during the Easter bank holiday \| 10.04.2020 – 13.04.2020	123

Overall change to crime related demand during the COVID-19 pandemic (to date)
Compared to same period 2019	35% reduction
National average (as above)	28% reduction

Workforce abstraction rate…
Force average during normal times	Between 4-5%
Force average during COVID-19 pandemic (to date)	Currently 6%
National average during COVID-19 pandemic (to date)	Currently 10%

Crime

Pembroke Dock resident faces court over dog control breaches

Published

2 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Court Reporter

PHILIP Murray, 52, of 11 Picton Place, Pembroke Dock, will appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 14) to face several charges of breaching a community protection notice. The notice, issued under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, required Murray to control his dogs in response to repeated disturbances.

The charges relate to incidents from May to September 2024, when Murray allegedly failed to comply with the restrictions set out in a notice issued on January 3, 2024. Court documents state that despite multiple warnings, Murray continued to disregard the order, leading to ongoing issues linked to his dogs’ behaviour.

If found guilty, Murray could face a Level 4 fine for each offence. The hearing is scheduled to take place from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Courtroom 1, presided over by the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Adult Panel.

The case underscores the role of community protection notices in addressing persistent anti-social behavior.

Crime

Cilgerran driver banned for drug use on Cardigan high street

Published

2 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Court Reporter

A CILGERRAN motorist appeared before a district judge after driving on Cardigan High Street under the influence of cannabis.

On May 3, police officers on patrol detected a strong smell of cannabis from a Volkswagen Golf driven by Kim Haynes, 40.

A drugs wipe returned a positive result, with subsequent tests showing Haynes had 3.4 mcg of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol in her blood, above the legal limit of 2.

Haynes, of Sun Cottage, Church Street, Cilgerran, pleaded guilty to driving over the specified drug-drive limit. She was fined and ordered to pay a total of £365, including costs and a court surcharge, and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Crime

Motorist disqualified after cannabis-fuelled traffic collision

Published

2 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Court Reporter

A 21-YEAR-OLD driver has been disqualified after a traffic pile-up on the A40 following cannabis use.

Officers attended Arnold’s Hill, Slebech, on March 29 in response to a multi-vehicle collision involving Kayleigh Taylor, 21, whose Toyota Aygo was on the opposite carriageway.

“There was a smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle, so a drugs wipe was conducted, which returned a positive result,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan. Further tests showed Taylor had 7.7 mcg of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol in her blood, above the legal limit of 2.

Taylor, of Princess Royal Way, Haverfordwest, admitted to driving over the specified drug-drive limit and possessing 266.1 grams of cannabis found in her vehicle.

District Judge Mark Layton sentenced her to a 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. She was disqualified from driving for 17 months, fined £80, and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.