Crime

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

Published

7 months 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

Van driver avoids ban after speeding on A48

Published

18 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A VAN driver who was caught speeding on the A48 near Nantycaws avoided disqualification after magistrates accepted that a ban would cause exceptional hardship to others.

Norman Andrew Chapman, aged 59, of Rock Drive, Gelli, Pentre, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15).

Chapman admitted driving a Ford Transit 350 panel van at 68mph on a dual carriageway subject to a 60mph limit for that class of vehicle. The offence occurred at 1:05pm on April 2 and was detected using laser equipment.

The court heard detailed mitigation outlining Chapman’s caring responsibilities. He helps care for his housebound mother, who is on oxygen, and has taken on additional responsibilities while his brother undergoes cancer treatment. Magistrates were also told he assists a lifelong friend with panic attacks by taking her shopping, and that losing his licence would jeopardise his employment and potentially affect his employer’s business.

Finding exceptional hardship, the court decided not to disqualify Chapman.

He was fined £193, ordered to pay £400 in prosecution costs, and had three penalty points added to his driving licence.

Crime

Harassment case against Milford Haven man dismissed

Published

18 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A HARASSMENT case against a Milford Haven man was dismissed after prosecutors offered no evidence.

David Daley, aged 45, of Murray Road, Milford Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15) for trial.

Daley had denied a charge of harassment without violence, relating to allegations that between October 28 and October 30 he persistently sent unwanted messages and attended at the home address of a female in Prioryville, Milford Haven.

No evidence was offered by the Crown Prosecution Service, and the charge was formally dismissed by the court.

Crime

Carmarthen man given restraining order after public order offence

Published

18 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A CARMARTHEN man has been handed a restraining order after admitting a public order offence involving a woman known to him.

Joe Davies, aged 40, of Rhos Las, Carmarthen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15), where he pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

The offence took place in Carmarthen on April 10, when Davies directed his behaviour towards Helena Davies.

The court heard that a victim personal statement was presented and read aloud by the prosecution.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge, taking Davies’ guilty plea into account. He was also ordered to pay £350 in prosecution costs.

A restraining order was imposed, banning Davies from contacting Helena Davies directly or indirectly, entering her home, or referring to her on any electronic device or online platform. The order will remain in force until December 15, 2026.