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Crime

Police scheme to tackle predators on nights out to be rolled out forcewide

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Project Vigilant will now cover all four Dyfed-Powys divisions

A POLICE operation that uses specially trained officers to spot and disrupt potentially predatory behaviour during nights out is being extended across the Dyfed-Powys Police force area.

Project Vigilant, which was trialled in Carmarthenshire over the Christmas period, involves both plain clothed and uniformed officers working together to identify and intervene where concerning behaviour is observed—before a crime takes place.

Plain clothes officers act as ‘spotters’, trained to recognise signs of sexually predatory or violent conduct. Once such behaviour is identified, uniformed officers nearby are called in to disrupt and, where necessary, take enforcement action.

Following a positive review of the pilot, the project will now be rolled out across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys.

Chief Inspector Dominic Jones said: “This was a new project for Dyfed-Powys Police that we trialled during the busy festive season. It’s an innovative, intelligence-led approach to protecting vulnerable people and preventing harm.

“Everyone should feel safe on a night out. Nobody should have to modify their behaviour to avoid becoming a victim. By targeting those who pose a risk, we can change behaviours and make our communities safer.”

The force received training from Thames Valley Police, where Project Vigilant was first developed. Officers were taught how potential predators may attempt to isolate individuals from their friends or use other concerning tactics. Once identified, uniformed colleagues can then make their presence known and potentially prevent a crime from occurring.

CI Jones added: “Evidence from other forces shows that deploying visible officers alone often results in offenders moving elsewhere. What sets Project Vigilant apart is the use of plain clothes officers to discreetly spot suspicious behaviour, with backup ready to intervene. So far, there is no evidence that this simply displaces the problem.”

While the initiative is focused on reducing sexual and violent offences, the pilot also led to the detection of other crimes. In one case, officers safeguarded a vulnerable woman who had become separated from her friends. On another occasion, a man was arrested for drink driving and possession of ketamine after being spotted driving erratically.

Dyfed-Powys Police officers who took part in the scheme praised its effectiveness. One said: “The training on what behaviours to watch for was really beneficial. That one interaction—asking the right question at the right time—could stop a sexual assault.”

The pilot was funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner under the Serious Violence Duty.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “I’m proud to have supported this project. It’s a proactive approach that ensures officers are in the right place at the right time to prevent harm. The rollout of Project Vigilant across all four divisions reflects Dyfed-Powys Police’s clear commitment to public safety.”

 

Crime

Fishguard man admits assault and criminal damage

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Court orders no contact with woman and bans him from address ahead of sentencing

A FISHGUARD man has admitted assaulting a woman and damaging property during an incident earlier this year.

Peter Bromley, aged 50, of Parc y Chwarel, Fishguard, appeared before magistrates at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a first hearing.

He pleaded guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage.

The court heard that on January 13, 2026, at Fishguard, Bromley assaulted a woman by beating her.

During the same incident, he also damaged crockery belonging to her.

Magistrates adjourned the case for sentencing to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

Bromley was remanded on conditional bail and must return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 26 at 12:00pm.

Strict bail conditions were imposed. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly and must not attend her address in Fishguard.

Sentencing will take place later this month.

 

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Crime

Pembroke Dock man admits threatening to hack woman’s head off with sword

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Court imposes strict bail conditions and bans contact with named individuals ahead of sentencing

A PEMBROKE DOCK man has admitted sending a message threatening serious violence and has been remanded on conditional bail while the court prepares a pre-sentence report.

Charles Bianchy, aged 37, of Pembroke Street, Pembroke Dock, appeared before magistrates at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

He pleaded guilty to making a communication conveying a threat of serious harm, contrary to Section 181 of the Online Safety Act 2023.

The court heard that on September 16, 2025, at Pembroke Dock, Bianchy sent a message to a woman, threatening to hack that woman’s head off with a sword, intending, or being reckless as to whether, the recipient would fear the threat would be carried out.

Magistrates adjourned the case for sentencing to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Bianchy was remanded on conditional bail and must attend the next hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 26 at 10:00am.

Strict bail conditions were imposed. He must not contact the alleged victim and one other witness to the case, directly or indirectly, and must not attend at a specified address in, Pembroke Dock.

He is also prohibited from entering any data, or permitting any data to be entered, onto any electronic network referencing the complainant .

The case will return to court later this month for sentencing.

(Image: File photo)

 

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Crime

Community order for man who breached sexual harm prevention order

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Walters fined and ordered to complete rehabilitation programme after admitting breach of court-imposed restrictions

A NARBERTH man has been handed a community order after admitting breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

John Walters, aged 61, Townmoor, Narberth, appeared before magistrates at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Tuesday (Feb 4).

The court heard that between December 5 and December 7, 2025, Walters breached the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which had been imposed by Swansea Crown Court in June 2022.

Walters indicated a guilty plea at an earlier hearing.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until August 3, 2027. As part of the sentence, he must complete the Building Choices Programme, consisting of 21 sessions, and comply with up to 15 days of rehabilitation activity at the direction of a responsible officer.

The court also fined him £200, stating the penalty was set as a punitive element.

Walters was ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge. A collection order was made for the money to be deducted from benefits at a rate of £20 per month.

Sexual Harm Prevention Orders are designed to restrict behaviour and protect the public. Breaching the terms of such an order is a criminal offence and can lead to further penalties, including imprisonment.

 

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