Crime

Senedd member welcomes police crack down on high street money laundering

Published

1 year ago

April 16, 2025

265 premises raided in UK-wide operation

SENEDD Member Gareth Davies MS has welcomed a national crackdown on high street money laundering, following a series of targeted police raids on businesses across the UK.

The police and trading standards also targeted at least one shop in Charles Street Milford Haven last month (Mar 13), the Herald understands that the authorities were looking for counterfeit or illegally imported cigarettes and tobacco. We are still awaiting an update on the outcome of that raid.

The nationwide operation, however, is called Operation Machinize. It is being led by the National Crime Agency (NCA), saw coordinated action at 265 premises including barbershops, car washes, vape shops and American sweet stores. Officers made 35 arrests, froze bank accounts holding over £1 million, and placed 97 suspected modern slavery victims under protection. The NCA estimates that up to £12 billion of criminal cash is laundered in the UK every year.

***Gareth Davies MS welcomes national crackdown on high street money laundering*** **(Image: File)**

The large-scale operation follows warnings first raised by Mr Davies in the Senedd on 7 February 2024. During that debate, he highlighted an unusual concentration of cash-only barbershops and vape shops in his constituency, suggesting links to organised crime and illicit financial activity.

At the time, his comments were dismissed by Labour Senedd Members and Welsh Government ministers. Labour MS for Ogmore, Huw Irranca-Davies, said during the debate:
“[…] to brand whole swathes of our high street businesses as potential criminal money-launderers is a terrible slur on the many local businesses who are trying to create jobs and make a living and bring life to our towns.”

However, growing public concern in parts of Wales appears to support Mr Davies’ earlier claims. In Porth, South Wales, a 14th barbershop application was recently submitted in a town with a population of just 6,000 — raising fresh questions about the scale and purpose of some high street businesses.

Mr Davies has now challenged Welsh Labour to confirm whether they acknowledge the seriousness of the issue, especially given the NCA operation took place under a UK Labour Government. He is also calling on the Welsh Government to provide support and guidance to local councils dealing with suspected laundering.

Speaking following the raids, Gareth Davies said: “When I first raised my constituents’ concerns about the rise of cash-only businesses on our high streets, they were met with pearl-clutching by Labour members who dismissed them outright.

“I welcome the police crackdown, a year on from when I first sounded the alarm, and I hope that Operation Machinize will deliver meaningful results.

“I would like the Welsh Government to clarify whether they now accept this is a real and growing issue, and to set out how they plan to equip local authorities to tackle it head on.”

Crime

Police appeal after reported rape at Young Farmers rally

Published

22 hours ago

June 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an allegation of rape at a Young Farmers Club rally in Builth Wells.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident was reported to have taken place at Wernhalog Farm on Saturday, June 13.

Officers said it happened in the portaloo area sometime between 11:00pm and 11:45pm.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information which could help the investigation, is asked to contact police.

Reports can be made online through the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through the Crimestoppers website.

Quote reference: 26*472649.

Crime

Dock woman given mental health treatment order after supermarket thefts

Published

2 days ago

June 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has been placed on a mental health treatment requirement after repeatedly stealing meat, cheese and other grocery items from local supermarkets.

Lisa Stewart, 45, admitted three theft offences when she appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

The first offence took place on March 11, when Stewart stole Vanish, Lenor and three packs of Persil capsules from Home Bargains in Pembroke Dock, with a total value of £58.41.

The following month, she stole four small beef joints, four steaks and three blocks of cheese from Asda in Pembroke Dock, worth £55.68.

Seven days later, she stole four legs of lamb from Farmfoods in Pembroke Dock, valued at £99.96.

Stewart, of Truscott House, London Road, Pembroke Dock, also pleaded guilty to failing to surrender to police bail on or around May 26.

She was represented in court by solicitor Alaw Harries, who told magistrates the thefts involved items of relatively low value and were not the result of “sophisticated offending”.

“The defendant has had an exceptionally difficult time, as last year she lost her partner to cancer and has struggled profoundly to process that grief,” said Ms Harries.

“Instead, she has attempted to cope by taking more of her prescribed medication than she should. And this is what has led her to be here today.”

Ms Harries said Stewart is now motivated to address her issues.

Magistrates sentenced Stewart to an 18-month community order. She must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement.

The order will include monthly reviews in court.

Stewart must also pay £214.05 compensation to the supermarkets, together with a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Grandmother banned after cocaine drug-drive offence

Published

2 days ago

June 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A GRANDMOTHER has been banned from the roads after being caught behind the wheel with 800 mcg of a cocaine metabolite in her system.

Eleri Phillips, 57, was stopped by police in the early hours of December 18 as she drove her Audi Q5 along Derwent Avenue, Steynton.

A roadside drugs swipe proved positive, and further blood tests carried out at the police station showed she had 45 mcg of cocaine in her system and 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite.

The legal limits are 10 mcg and 50 mcg respectively.

Phillips, of Brook Close, Steynton, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges when she appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates. She was legally represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher.

“She is absolutely ashamed of what has happened,” Mr Kelleher told the court.

“She had been out with friends that evening and someone offered her cocaine. Very foolishly, she took it.

“As a result, she is now going to be disqualified from driving, which is going to cause problems not only for her but for her family, as she regularly helps look after her grandchildren with general pick-ups from school.”

Phillips was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £120. She must also pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.