Crime
Brazen break-in at Meyrick Street vape shop: Public urged to assist
IN the early hours of Wednesday, 29th May, a break-in occurred at a vape store located on Meyrick Street, Pembroke Dock. The perpetrators made off with nearly the entire stock of the shop, causing extensive damage in the process.
The owners of Juice33, the affected store, have described the thieves as “worthless degenerates” who not only stole the majority of their products but also caused significant harm to the store’s exterior and interior. Despite being insured, the owners anticipate considerable financial losses due to the theft and the time required to repair the damage and restock the store.
In a public plea for assistance, the owners urged anyone who might have seen or heard anything suspicious on Lower Meyrick Street between 1am and 3am to come forward. They have asked the public to report any information to the police using the crime reference number DP-20240529-039. Additionally, they are seeking vigilance from the community to watch out for anyone attempting to sell vape products locally.
The intruders managed to steal the physical media recorder and the cameras for the store’s CCTV system. The owners are currently awaiting images to be retrieved from cloud storage but have expressed concern that the thieves might have destroyed the cameras before any useful footage could be captured.
Juice33 has announced that while their Pembroke Dock location will remain closed temporarily, their stores in Haverfordwest and Milford will continue to operate as usual. They are working diligently to reopen the Pembroke Dock store as soon as possible.
Inspector Andrew Hedley of Dyfed-Powys Police has encouraged the community to assist in the investigation. “We urge anyone with information about this incident or who may have noticed anything unusual during the early hours to report it online at www.dyfed-powys.police.uk. Your assistance is vital in bringing those responsible to justice,” he said.
The break-in has sparked outrage and sympathy from local residents, who have expressed their support for the Juice33 team. The community’s response underlines the importance of local businesses and the collective effort to protect them from criminal activities.
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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