Crime

Dyfed-Powys Police hit by more than 400 data breaches in three years

Published

10 months ago

August 13, 2025

Force pays out thousands in compensation following incidents

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has confirmed it has experienced more than 400 data breach incidents since 2022 — with thousands of pounds paid in compensation to affected individuals.

Figures released following a Freedom of Information request by Data Breach Claims UK show that in 2022 the force recorded 104 data breaches, rising to 134 in 2023, before dropping slightly to 126 over the past year.

The incidents range from inappropriate sharing of information to misdirected emails, with “inappropriate sharing of data” the most common cause — accounting for 114 cases. A further 75 incidents involved emails being sent to the wrong recipients.

Force statement

In response to the figures, Dyfed-Powys Police told The Herald: “Dyfed-Powys Police takes its responsibilities in respect to data breaches very seriously. The force has processes in place for data breaches to be reported, all of which are investigated by the Data Protection Team.

“Dyfed-Powys Police follows the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) guidance and reports data breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office, where they meet referral criteria. Additionally, those subject to a data breach are informed, when required, in line with NPCC guidance.

“The Data Protection Breach Policy sets out everyone’s responsibilities in respect to data breaches, and the Force Information Security Policy is also available online.”

The FOI response was issued with a caveat that the figures may include duplicates, reports later found not to be breaches, or incidents caused by other organisations.

Compensation claims

Since 2022, six claims have been lodged against the force relating to data breaches, leading to a total of £6,500 in compensation being paid. The largest payout — £6,000 — was made in the 2024/25 financial year.

Bethan Simons, a solicitor at JF Law, said: “Breaches don’t always have to be complex cyberattacks. Many are caused by human error — misdirected emails, loss or theft of devices containing sensitive information, or accidental publication of data.

“Internal mishandling can also occur, such as officers accessing data without authorisation or failing to redact sensitive details. To prevent these breaches, forces must prioritise data protection measures, comprehensive staff training, encryption of devices, and strict data-sharing policies.”

National concern

A 2020 study by VPNoverview found UK police forces had suffered more than 2,000 data breaches in a single year, raising concerns about both cyberattacks and insider threats.

Data breaches within police forces can lead to victims suffering financial loss, identity theft, fraud, harassment, and severe emotional distress, as well as affecting ongoing investigations.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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.