Crime
Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Panel to scrutinise police precept
THE POLICING precept for Dyfed Powys residents will be the topic for the Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Panel’s meeting on Friday, 26 January 2024. Panel members will challenge and consider the precept intended by Dafydd Llewellyn, the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Policing in Dyfed Powys will be funded by this precept, which is set by the Commissioner. The current precept proposal, will raise the average band D property precept by £1.62 per month or £19.38 per annum to £332.03, a 6.2% increase. This increase will raise a total precept of £79.364m and will provide a total funding of £143.902m, representing a £8.150m or 6.0% increase from the revised funding for 2023/24.
During the meeting, the Commissioner will inform the Panel on how the budget will meet policing needs. He will also inform the panel of new objectives for the Chief Constable to focus on improved performance and outcomes.
Panel Chair, Professor Ian Roffe, said: “Scrutinising and challenging the need for
Policing is a crucial public service. No one wants to see a rise in their bills though, so we want to hear what the needs are for an increase.
“Scrutinising the needs and reasons for funds is a key facet of work for the Panel. So, a group of experienced members under the guidance of Cllr. Keith Evans has worked to consider in detail the police budget requirement. A decision will be made by all Panel members, representing the length and breadth of Dyfed Powys, at this meeting after hearing the Commissioners plans for the coming year.”
Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Panel’s meeting at Pembrokeshire County Hall at 10.30am on Friday, 26 January 2024 will be live-streamed. The panel, made up of members nominated by the four county councils in the force area plus two independent members, has the power to approve or veto the proposed police precept. Local policing is funded from a Home Office grant, as well as contributions from the public via the Council Tax, known as the police precept.
Visit www.dppoliceandcrimepanel.wales for more information about the Panel, its membership, forthcoming meeting dates, agendas and webcasting links, as well as submitting questions for the Panel to put to the Commissioner.
Crime
Welsh shop workers face ‘surge in shoplifting linked violence and abuse’ says union
A NEW survey by retail trade union Usdaw has revealed disturbing figures on the abuse, threats, and violence endured by Welsh shop workers, with incidents increasingly linked to shoplifting. Released during Respect for Shop Workers Week, which runs from November 11 to 17, the statistics highlight a troubling trend that is impacting thousands of retail employees.
Usdaw’s survey, based on responses from over 4,000 retail staff, shows that in the past year:
- 69% experienced verbal abuse.
- 45% were threatened by customers.
- 17% were assaulted.
Usdaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis commented on the findings, saying: “Shop workers deserve far more respect than they receive. These reports from Welsh retail staff make grim reading. It is shocking to see over two-thirds of our members subjected to abuse, threats, and violence. Seven in ten of these incidents are related to theft, much of it tied to addiction and organised crime.”
Usdaw’s survey suggests that shoplifting is increasingly becoming a flashpoint for violence. Many shop workers report encountering hardened criminals who appear to steal goods “to order” or to fund addictions. According to the union, incidents are on the rise across Wales, with police-reported shoplifting up by 33% in the past year.
Usdaw member testimonies paint a vivid picture of the dangers faced on the shop floor:
- One respondent described being “spat at, pushed against a wall, punched, and threatened with a knife.”
- Another reported that, after refusing to sell alcohol, they were told to “F**k off” and threatened with a beating by a group of five.
- Others spoke of being punched, spat on, and verbally abused, with threats that often left lasting emotional scars.
New measures on the horizon
Usdaw has been calling for greater legal protection for retail workers for years, and it appears these calls are finally being heard. The recent Crime and Policing Bill, announced in the King’s Speech, proposes to:
- End the £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters, which has been a source of frustration for retailers.
- Introduce town centre banning orders for repeat offenders.
- Allocate funding for tackling organised shoplifting and increase police presence in shopping areas.
“We welcome these new measures and hope they will provide much-needed protection,” said Mr. Lillis. “After 14 years of neglect under successive Tory governments, we are encouraged by the steps the new Labour government is taking to address the retail crime epidemic.”
As Christmas approaches—a time when retail crime tends to peak—Usdaw is urging the public to “respect shop workers” and remain calm as stores become busier.
Usdaw, which represents around 360,000 members, primarily in retail, launched its Freedom From Fear Campaign to tackle the growing issue of violence against shop workers. The final results of the 2024 survey are expected in March 2025.
Crime
Pembroke Dock resident faces court over dog control breaches
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
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.
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