Crime

Spike in home burglaries across West Wales branded ‘a big worry’

Published

1 year ago

June 1, 2025

THERE has been a sharp rise in home burglaries across west Wales, with new figures showing the Dyfed-Powys Police area has seen the highest percentage increase in the whole of England and Wales.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), reported residential burglaries in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys rose by 27% in the year to December 2024 — significantly higher than the 7% decrease recorded across the rest of Wales and England.

In rural Ceredigion, mechanic Dafydd Jones, 27, fell victim to a break-in at his farm shed in Ffair Rhos on May 12. Thousands of pounds worth of tools were stolen — many essential for his work, and others of sentimental value, including inherited items and those bought during his apprenticeship.

“It’s had a massive impact on me,” Mr Jones said. “Even when I go out to the shops or check the sheep, I’m thinking: ‘Is someone robbing the shed?’ It’s not right when you work hard for what you’ve got.”

He added that rural crime is becoming a serious concern in his area. “Quad bikes, tools – people are losing vital equipment. Everyone I speak to is worried their stuff could be next.”

Dyfed-Powys Police acknowledged the steep increase but pointed to a change in its crime reporting system in 2023, which may have affected the figures. In its own revised data, the force said the actual rise in burglaries was 26%.

Even with the adjusted figures, the region remains the worst-hit for burglary increases across the UK. According to the amended data, Powys saw a 55% rise, Ceredigion 27%, Carmarthenshire 26%, and Pembrokeshire a smaller increase of 1%.

A force spokesperson said: “We recognise the impact that these crimes have on victims and the wider community. Officers are committed to attending and investigating every reported burglary.”

In 2023, forces across the UK adopted a new approach requiring police to attend all reported residential break-ins.

The charity Crimestoppers has urged householders to ensure all doors and windows are locked before leaving home.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

9 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

10 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.