Crime
Pembrokeshire Special Constable reflects on ‘vital role in tackling serious crime’
TEN years ago, Karen could not have imagined spending her days working in a marketing office and her evenings executing drug warrants with Dyfed-Powys Police.
Now, as she prepares to mark a decade of service as a Special Constable, Karen’s journey exemplifies how this distinctive role enables individuals to experience frontline policing while balancing a busy professional life.
Karen’s interest in the role was sparked when, a decade ago, she came across an article in a local newspaper detailing the thrilling experiences of another Special Constable. Enthralled by the challenges and excitement of policing, she took the leap and joined the Special Constabulary.
One of the aspects of the role that Karen enjoys most is taking part in search warrants. She explained, “The careful planning and coordination involved create a sense of anticipation and focus. I love being part of such organised operations, which for a police officer, can feel like stepping into an action movie.”
Karen recalls a particularly intense moment during a high-stakes drugs warrant when she discovered a sports bag stuffed with cash, neatly bound with elastic bands. This significant find eventually led to the criminal conviction of an individual for possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.
While there is undoubtedly a surface level of excitement in policing, Karen notes the deeper fulfilment that comes from knowing she is playing a key role in addressing serious crime, especially drug-related offences in her own community. “There’s a real satisfaction in knowing that you’re making a difference,” she said.
Becoming a Special Constable felt natural to Karen. As an outgoing and sociable individual, the role allowed her to make use of her strong interpersonal skills, and she has built lasting friendships, many of whom she met during her initial training and who are still serving in Dyfed-Powys today.
After two years of service, Karen was promoted to Sergeant, now leading a small team of Special Constables in Pembrokeshire. “The role is a stark contrast to my marketing career, which is mostly office-based,” Karen explained. “It has allowed me to engage directly with the community, meeting and talking with people from all walks of life.”
“It’s a challenging role that can often test your limits, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. If you’re looking to expand your skills, build confidence, and give something back to the community, there’s no career quite like it. I wholeheartedly recommend becoming a Special Constable. It truly offers the best of both worlds.”
For those interested in taking on a new challenge or exploring a life in uniform, Dyfed-Powys Police is currently accepting applications for Special Constables. Information on eligibility criteria, the application and recruitment process, and frequently asked questions can be found on their website.
Dyfed-Powys Police will also be holding an online recruitment event for prospective applicants:
30th September, 7pm – Online (via MS Teams).
Crime
Arrest after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run
A MAN has been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire, on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.
The incident happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police said the vehicle involved, a blue car with noticeable damage, was travelling northbound through the village at the time of the collision.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the vehicle believed to have been involved has now been located, and a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision.
Specially trained officers are supporting Aaron’s family, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.”
The road remains closed while investigations continue, and residents can expect an increased police presence in the area.
Anyone with dashcam footage, doorbell camera recordings, or CCTV footage from the area is urged to check their recordings and contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.
Crime
Repeat offender jailed for breaching Sexual Harm Prevention Order
A SERIAL offender who repeatedly defied a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) has been handed a three-year prison sentence following his latest breaches while living in Pembrokeshire.
Adrian John Thomas, 31, of no fixed abode, was originally made subject to a SHPO and notification requirements in 2017 after being convicted of offences involving a 14-year-old girl. Despite the restrictions imposed on him, Thomas has shown a persistent pattern of non-compliance.
The latest sentencing at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Dec 19) addressed four fresh breaches of the SHPO and one count of failing to meet notification requirements.
Following his release from prison in October 2023, Thomas initially registered at an approved address in Swansea. By January, he had moved to Pembrokeshire and declared himself as having no fixed address to the police.
However, it later emerged that he had moved in with his mother, who resides in sheltered housing, without notifying authorities of his change in circumstances—a direct violation of his notification requirements.
While living with his mother, Thomas took control of her iPhone, setting up a PIN and facial recognition lock without her consent. He then used the device to create multiple social media accounts, including Instagram, Gmail, and Facebook profiles, all in clear breach of his SHPO terms.
The court heard how Thomas’s actions left his mother feeling distressed and powerless in her own home.
Prosecutors revealed Thomas’s extensive criminal history, including eight previous convictions spanning 15 offences. Between February 2019 and October 2022 alone, he breached the SHPO 11 times and once failed to comply with notification requirements, resulting in multiple prison sentences.
In mitigation, the defence argued that Thomas had shown remorse and was struggling with his mental health. They claimed he had no viable housing options other than moving in with his mother or living in a tent.
Judge Paul Thomas KC delivered a stark assessment of the defendant’s repeated disregard for court orders.
“Your track record shows a persistent determination to flout the Sexual Harm Prevention Order placed on you after a serious child sexual offence conviction,” the judge said.
“You have breached this order and notification requirements time and time again. You misled the police about your living arrangements, manipulated your mother’s phone despite her pleas, and did so while on licence from a previous sentence.”
The judge concluded: “You seem entirely undeterred by the consequences of your actions.”
Thomas was sentenced to three years in prison, with a review of the SHPO’s duration scheduled for January.
Crime
Police hunt driver after dog walker killed in Carmarthenshire hit-and-run
A PEDESTRIAN walking his dog has died after being struck in a hit-and-run collision on a Carmarthenshire road on Monday (December 23).
The incident occurred in Llanpumsaint, near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel, between 6:45pm and 7:45pm.
The road remains closed, and police are urgently appealing for information to locate the driver of a blue vehicle believed to have fled the scene.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are actively searching for the driver of a blue vehicle with noticeable damage, which was involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire. The driver left the scene, and locating them is now our top priority.
“We are appealing directly to the driver to do the right thing and come forward. Additionally, we urge anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.
“This collision, which tragically resulted in the death of a pedestrian, happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm on Monday, December 23, as the man was walking his dog.
“Our investigation indicates the vehicle was travelling northbound through Llanpumsaint at the time of the incident.”
The road is expected to remain closed for some time while enquiries continue. Police stress that any piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in identifying and locating the driver. Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.
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