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Concern as just 3% of Dyfed-Powys arson cases result in charges

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ONLY 3% of arson cases investigated by Dyfed-Powys Police in the past three years have led to charges, sparking serious concerns about the force’s ability to bring offenders to justice.

Data obtained by Legal Expert shows that of the 558 arson offences recorded across the Dyfed-Powys area since 2021, just 18 resulted in someone being charged. Despite 56 arrests being made, the vast majority of cases were closed without prosecution, while many others remain unresolved.

Llanelli worst-hit by arson

The town of Llanelli recorded the highest number of arson incidents in the region, with 105 offences logged over three years. Ammanford followed with 69, Pembrokeshire South with 60, Brecknockshire with 57, and Montgomeryshire with 41.

Cardigan was the quietest area, with just 15 recorded arson cases.

Low charge rates seen across UK

Men accounted for 73% of the suspects—slightly below the UK average of 80%

The figures from Dyfed-Powys mirror a wider national issue. A survey of 31 UK police forces found that fewer than 5% of arson investigations resulted in a charge. In Essex, only two people were charged despite more than 3,000 arson reports.

Home Office statistics published in January show that in the year to September 2024, only 4.4% of criminal damage and arson offences led to a charge or summons—up only slightly from 4.1% the previous year. Around 70% of arson investigations were closed without identifying a suspect.

Teenagers among suspects

Of the 56 arson suspects identified by Dyfed-Powys Police, 11 were under the age of 18. This included three 12-year-olds and four aged 13 or 14. The most common age group was people in their 30s (16 suspects), with only nine in their 20s. Men accounted for 73% of the suspects—slightly below the UK average of 80%.

Dyfed-Powys was also the only force in the country to report zero repeat arson offenders during the three-year period.

Victims left without compensation

Alongside low prosecution rates, victims of arson are also struggling to receive compensation. Of 464 claims made to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), just 76 resulted in a payout.

In 2024, only 17 people across the UK received compensation for injuries sustained in arson attacks. Common reasons for claims being rejected included the offence not being classed as violent, or the injuries not meeting CICA’s compensation threshold.

The total payout to arson victims over the three years was £102,260, with an average payment of £1,345. So far in 2024, just £2,400 has been awarded, despite 79 claims being submitted. Nearly 200 victims are still waiting for a decision.

Legal expert urges victims to seek help

Ellie Lamey, a criminal injury specialist at Legal Expert, said many victims may not realise they are entitled to compensation even if no one is convicted.

“It’s incredible that so few people have made a claim when thousands of arson offences have affected lives around the country,” she said. “Victims might be wondering how to get some form of justice.

“They don’t need to wait for a conviction to seek compensation. As long as they report the crime and cooperate with police, they may be eligible to apply.”

Legal Expert provides round-the-clock advice on CICA claims and support for those affected by violent crime.

Police defend response—comments seen as downplaying scale of issue

Detective Chief Superintendent Ross Evans of Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police is committed to following up all crimes including arson-related offences together with our partner agencies.

“While the article matches our own data, it doesn’t include a breakdown of the level of risk to life, which gives a bit more context. In the past three years, nearly 85% of arson incidents reported did not pose a danger to life.

“We see more damage-related offences than actual attacks on people or property, and due to the nature of some of these incidents—such as bin fires, small grass fires and litter fires—they can be difficult to detect.

“Of the 15% which did pose a risk to life, a charge rate of 17% was achieved.

“When arson incidents occur, police investigate to identify and bring any offenders to justice. We encourage members of the public to report any offences to us via 101, through our website, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

However, some of the comments made by police have been seen as attempting to downplay the scale of the problem—particularly when the overwhelming majority of arson offences go unpunished, and victims are left without justice or compensation.

Cover picture:

Park Church when it went up in flames in 2015 (Image: Gayle Marsh)

 

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The gentle giant behind the tattoos

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Pembrokeshire security worker Josh Davies praised for professionalism, kindness and proving first impressions can be wrong

JOSH Davies is hard to miss.

With tattoos across his head, face, neck and hands, he is the kind of man people notice before they know anything about him.

But those who know him, work with him, or have simply crossed paths with him after a long night on duty, tell a very different story.

They describe him as a gentleman. A grafter. A man with a big heart. Someone who would do anything to help another person.

Now Josh, who completed his Door Supervisor course with RM Training and Security Solutions last year, is being praised for the way he has built a career in the security industry and become a valued member of the team.

The Pembrokeshire-based company said Josh had gone “from strength to strength” since gaining his licence, working across licensed venues, events, customer-facing roles, response duties and other security work.

A spokesperson for RM Training and Security Solutions said: “From day one, Josh showed a natural ability for the security industry.

“Since gaining his licence, he has thrown himself into every opportunity presented to him, working across a variety of roles including licensed venues, events, customer-facing positions, response duties, and much more.

“There genuinely seems to be nothing Josh cannot turn his hand to. His willingness to learn, adaptability, reliability, and positive attitude have made him a valued member of the RM team.”

But it is not only his employers who have noticed.

After RM Training shared Josh’s success story online, dozens of people came forward to praise him, with many saying his appearance should never be mistaken for the man underneath.

One woman said she had met Josh on a Sunday morning after he had finished a night shift.

She said: “He was an absolute gentleman. Someone you would say from first impression of meeting, nice guy, good guy.”

Another person, who said she had known Josh since he was young and treated him like a son, said: “I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me in my life. He is one in a million.

“People look at him like a big boy, but he has got a heart and he will do anything to help anyone.”

Others described him as a “great bloke”, “absolute gentleman”, “sound bloke”, and someone who was “built to be a doorman”.

In an industry where first impressions, calm judgement and public confidence matter, RM Training said Josh’s professionalism had become one of his strongest qualities.

The company added: “What stands out most is his professionalism. Whether dealing with members of the public, clients, colleagues, or challenging situations, Josh consistently demonstrates the highest standards expected within our industry.

“He represents both himself and RM Training & Security Solutions exceptionally well at all times.

“We are incredibly proud to have Josh as part of the team and look forward to watching his continued growth and success within the security industry.”

Security staff are often seen only when something goes wrong, but much of the work involves preventing problems before they happen, reassuring the public, supporting event organisers, and knowing how to deal with difficult situations calmly.

Josh’s story has struck a chord because it challenges the quick assumptions people can make.

To some, the tattoos may be the first thing they see.

To those who know him, they are simply part of a man who has worked hard, taken his chance, and earned respect through his attitude and actions.

One supporter summed it up simply: “Life loves a grafter.”

Photo caption:

Josh Davies has been praised by RM Training and Security Solutions and members of the public for his professionalism and kindness (Pics: DarthMartyMedia).

 

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150 years of Mothers’ Union marked at St Davids Cathedral

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A SPECIAL service has been held at St Davids Cathedral to celebrate 150 years of the Mothers’ Union.

Members and officials gathered for the anniversary celebration on Sunday (Jun 21), where Bishop Dorrien welcomed those attending and spent time speaking with the Provincial Chaplain.

The occasion had particular significance for Bishop Dorrien, who is the third generation of his family to be a member of the Mothers’ Union.

The organisation, founded in 1876, continues to support families, communities and church life across Wales and around the world.

Those attending said the celebration was a fitting tribute to the work of generations of members, with hopes expressed for the next 150 years.

Caption:

Celebration: Members and officials gathered at St Davids Cathedral to mark 150 years of the Mothers’ Union (Pic: Diocese of St Davids).

 

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Harbour Fest to bring music, food and maritime magic to Milford Waterfront

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Free family festival will celebrate Milford Haven’s seafaring history and coastal community

MILFORD WATERFRONT will burst into life on Saturday, June 27, as the first Harbour Fest sails into town for a day of music, food, family fun and maritime celebration.

The free event will run from 10:00am to 6:00pm at Mackerel Quay and across the waterfront, bringing together local traders, live entertainment, coastal organisations and independent businesses for a packed day beside the water.

Organisers say the festival will celebrate everything that makes Milford Haven special, from its seafaring history and working harbour to its growing reputation as a destination for food, shopping, culture and family days out.

Visitors will be able to browse stalls from local makers and producers, enjoy street food and live performances, and explore a Marine Zone featuring organisations involved in sea safety, marine conservation and coastal life.

The Marine Zone will include Seagrass Network Cymru / Project Seagrass, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dyfed-Powys Police, NCI Wooltack Point, Rudders Marine Training, RNLI Milford Haven and RNLI Angle Lifeboat.

RNLI Angle Lifeboat is expected to be based on the Mackerel Stage, while the Sea Cadets will be giving rope-tying displays at Milford Haven Museum, where craft activities will also be taking place.

Live entertainment will run throughout the day, with performances from Tom & Abz, Will Scott, Ryan Bristow, Milford Haven Town Band, Kyle Kirkhouse and ShantyJacs Sea Shanties.

Businesses across the waterfront are also joining in. All Pets Vet Care will hold a family-friendly open day with a bouncy castle, treasure hunts, quizzes, craft activities and behind-the-scenes tours. Aurora Artisan Crafts will host vocal performances, Biffy’s Bar & Restaurant will feature solo acoustic music from Laurence Lewis, and Martha’s Vineyard will offer seafood street food with live music from Ryan Bristow and Steve Bartram.

At Tŷ Milford Waterfront’s outdoor plaza there will be face painting, children’s activities, pop-up artists and an afternoon DJ set, while Phoenix Bowl and Pirate Pete’s Adventure Play will have inflatables and glitter tattoos outside.

The Waterfront Gallery will host introduction to felt-making workshops with textile artist Carole Fletcher, giving participants the chance to create a woollen felt flower pin brooch or phone/glasses case. The workshops start at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm and cost £5 per person.

A wide range of traders will also be attending, including 5th Flock Spirits Co, Cinnamon Grove Distillery, Cwm Deri Wines & Liqueurs, Ferncraft, Get Loaded, J.J. Pottery, Major Nuts, Orange Garden Design, Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm, Pembrokeshire Gold, Pembrokeshire Lottery, Plumstone Welshcakes and SlateArtSJ.

With music drifting across the marina, food stalls lining the waterfront and lifeboats, sea safety teams and coastal groups adding a strong maritime flavour, Harbour Fest is expected to bring a lively summer atmosphere to one of Pembrokeshire’s best-known waterside destinations.

Organisers say the event is suitable for families, friends and visitors of all ages, with plenty to see and do throughout the day.

Photo caption: Harbour Fest will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, June 27 (Pic: Milford Waterfront).

 

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