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Crime

Pembrokeshire motorists warned of fake parking QR code scam

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PEMBROKESHIRE’S motorists are being warned to stay vigilant after reports surfaced of a new scam involving fake QR codes on parking signs. The scam, which has been dubbed “quishing,” has been reported across the UK, with Pembrokeshire being among the areas affected.

This month, RAC issued a nationwide alert urging drivers not to use QR codes to pay for parking, following a rise in incidents where fraudulent codes lead to websites that steal personal data and bank details. Councils, including Pembrokeshire County Council, have confirmed that they do not use QR codes for parking payments and have encouraged residents to be cautious.

The warning comes after Yori Evans, a 19-year-old local resident, fell victim to the scam at a car park outside Pembrokeshire County Council’s offices in Haverfordwest. Speaking to Sky News, Mr Evans recounted his experience: “I scanned the QR code, entered my details and paid, but it didn’t work correctly, so I downloaded the app and paid there instead.”

However, the next morning, Mr Evans discovered that £60 had been withdrawn from his account by a fraudulent website. “I was confused when the money left my account,” he said. “I cancelled my card immediately, and the day after, they tried to take another £57.99, but luckily the card had been cancelled.”

Pembrokeshire County Council has since reiterated that it does not use QR codes for payment in its car parks. A spokesperson for the council advised: “We encourage anyone who finds a QR code in our car parks to report it to us immediately. Customers should use the PayByPhone app, which is the official method for paying in our car parks.”

The scam has also been reported in other parts of the UK, including Northumberland and Barking and Dagenham in east London. It has even been seen at some electric vehicle charging stations.

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, highlighted the dangers of this new type of scam: “The increasing popularity and ease of using QR codes appears to have made drivers more vulnerable to malicious scammers. For some, this sadly means a Quick Response code could, in fact, be a ‘quick route’ to losing money.”

Williams also warned that motorists could face additional fines if they are unaware that they haven’t paid for parking after being scammed: “As if this quishing scam isn’t nasty enough, it can also lead to drivers being caught out twice if they don’t realise they haven’t paid for parking and end up getting a hefty fine from the council.”

To avoid falling victim to such scams, motorists are advised to check that QR codes have not been stuck over official information and to ensure that the URL they are directed to is legitimate, carrying the padlock symbol in the browser. The RAC continues to advocate for the availability of traditional payment methods, as many drivers still prefer to pay with cash or card rather than relying on mobile apps.

Local authorities and the RAC are urging the public to remain cautious and to report any suspicious QR codes found in car parks. As the move towards digital payments accelerates, the importance of educating oneself about potential scams has never been greater.

 

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

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A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.

Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.

Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.

Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.

“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.

The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.

Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.

“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.

When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”

Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”

As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”

A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.

 

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Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

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A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

 

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Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

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A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.

 

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