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Crime

Shoplifting rise highlights need for in-store security

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SHOPLIFTING offences have hit record levels across England and Wales, with over 530,000 incidents recorded in the year to March 2025 – a rise of around 20 per cent on the previous year.

Retailers say the real figure is far higher because many thefts go unreported. The British Retail Consortium estimates over 20 million incidents in 2023/24, costing businesses £2.2bn in direct losses. Abuse of shopworkers is also on the rise, with unions warning that staff safety is now a major concern.

In Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police logged just over 2,000 shoplifting cases last year. While that was a slight fall locally, the national picture shows repeat and organised offending still growing.

Security that pays for itself

Retail experts point out that simple, visible security can deter offenders and pay for itself quickly. Measures include a trained greeter at the door, smarter CCTV systems with real-time alerts, targeted security tagging on high-value items, and better supervision of self-checkouts.

Store design also matters. Clear sight lines, mirrors in blind spots, and secure displays for premium goods make a difference.

Protecting staff is now considered as important as protecting stock. Body-worn cameras, lone-worker alarms, and conflict management training not only keep colleagues safer but also supply stronger evidence when incidents occur.

Smarter reporting

Consistent reporting remains vital. Even where police attendance is not guaranteed, every report adds to intelligence feeds used by national operations such as Project Pegasus. That coordination has already led to arrests of prolific offenders.

Recent legal changes also mean persistent offenders face stronger penalties, with the £200 threshold for low-value theft removed and new offences created for assaults on shop staff.

Pembrokeshire firm offering solutions

Ryan Mayne, director of RM Training & Security Solutions Ltd in Tenby, told The Herald: “Our experience in securing retail environments shows that combining human presence with smart technology delivers real protection. A simple greeting, strong visibility, and proper tagging can drastically cut losses on high-risk lines without alienating customers.”

He added: “Our security teams are trained to support staff safety as much as shrink prevention – nobody benefits if colleagues feel threatened or unsafe.”

Five steps for retailers

  • Identify top loss-making lines and tag or secure them.
  • Train staff to greet customers within five seconds of entering.
  • Assign clear responsibility for self-checkout supervision.
  • Join local Shopwatch or Business Crime Reduction Partnerships.
  • Review store layout for blind spots before peak trading.

Shoplifting may not be a new problem, but with record losses and growing risks to staff, retailers in Wales and across the UK are under pressure to act.

RM Training & Security Solutions Ltd
16a The Norton, Tenby, SA70 8AA
Tel: 01834 526418 / 07388 069600
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rmtrainingandsecuritysolutionsltd.co.uk

 

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

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A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.

Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.

Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.

Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.

“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.

The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.

Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.

“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.

When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”

Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”

As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”

A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.

 

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Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

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A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

 

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Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

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A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.

 

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