Crime

Police warn cryptocurrency holders after personal data found on dark web

Published

2 months ago

February 20, 2026

Regional cyber crime officers urge residents to act quickly if contacted

POLICE in Wales have issued an urgent warning to cryptocurrency holders after officers discovered personal data linked to individuals in the region on the dark web.

Specialist officers from the Cyber Crime Team at Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) have already contacted a number of people whose details were identified.

Anyone who received an email from Tarian ROCU on Thursday (Feb 19) is being urged not to ignore it, as action may be needed to protect themselves from fraud.

Officers stressed that genuine police emails will not usually contain links or attachments. Anyone unsure about the authenticity of a message claiming to be from police is advised to contact 101 to verify it.

Detective Inspector Mathew Davies, from Tarian ROCU, said cryptocurrency owners are increasingly being targeted by criminals.

He said: “Cryptocurrency holders are attractive targets to fraudsters. I would urge anyone who has cryptocurrency to ensure they are secure online and to be aware of potential scams.

“Make sure you are using strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and consider using a password manager. Regularly check your bank and other financial accounts for signs of suspicious activity.”

Police warned that fraudsters often impersonate trusted organisations such as banks, police, or financial institutions. Genuine representatives from these bodies will never ask people to transfer money, share financial details, or hand over remote access to devices.

Officers also highlighted the growing role of social media in scams, with around two-thirds of cryptocurrency frauds now beginning on online platforms, including dating sites.

Detective Inspector Davies added: “Fraudsters may attempt to build a rapport with you online and then encourage you to invest your cryptocurrency in a scheme that seems too good to be true. I would encourage all cryptocurrency holders to learn how scams work and how their money or data could be stolen.”

Anyone who believes they have been targeted or fallen victim to fraud is urged to report it via Action Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk.

Further advice on staying safe online is available from the National Cyber Security Centre.

Crime

Sex offender remanded over seven alleged prevention order breaches

Published

20 hours ago

April 6, 2026

Court Reporter

Man accused of multiple breaches of Sexual Harm Prevention Order after hearing at Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court

A SEX offender has been remanded in custody after appearing in court accused of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order on seven separate occasions.

Stewart Alderton, aged 44, currently of HMP & YOI Parc, Bridgend, appeared before Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Mar 31).

The charges allege that Alderton breached a Sexual Harm Prevention Order imposed at Mold Crown Court on November 17, 2021.

It is alleged that at an address in Wylcwm Close, Knighton, on June 18, 2025, and again on December 14, 2025, he deleted TikTok chat strings, phone applications, web artefacts and web history, and also carried out a factory reset on a device, all said to be contrary to the terms of the order.

A further allegation states that on February 16, 2026, at Bronglais Hospital, he failed to notify police of an internet-enabled device within the required three days.

No pleas were entered.

The case was adjourned for a plea hearing at Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court at 2:00pm on Wednesday (Apr 1).

Alderton was remanded in custody.

Crime

Neyland man spared immediate jail over aggravated vehicle taking

Published

2 days ago

April 5, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant given a suspended prison sentence after magistrates heard the offence was serious enough to cross the custody threshold

KRISTIAN DAVIES, aged 35, of Rock Cottages, Neyland, pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court to aggravated vehicle taking.

The court heard that on January 26, 2026, at Narberth, Davies took a Ford Focus without the consent of the owner or other lawful authority. The vehicle was damaged before it was recovered, with the damage assessed at less than £5,000.

Magistrates sentenced Davies on Tuesday (Mar 31) to 18 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

The bench said the offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified, citing Davies’ relevant previous convictions and the fact he was already subject to a court order at the time, which he is now in breach of.

However, the prison term was suspended because the court found there were real prospects of rehabilitation in the community.

Davies was also made subject to an 18-month supervision requirement, a non-residential drug rehabilitation requirement with reviews, and up to 15 days of rehabilitation activity.

As part of the order, he must engage with Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service and provide samples for a 12-month period.

He was also banned from driving for 24 months.

The first review hearing is due to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on April 27 at 10:00am. Bail conditions were cancelled as a matter of urgency.

Crime

Man arrested after police stop car on Pembroke Dock street

Published

3 days ago

April 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MAN was arrested after police stopped a car on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Saturday afternoon (Apr 4).

Witnesses said the incident happened at around 5:00pm outside Bargain Booze, when two police vehicles – one marked and one unmarked – pulled over a motorist.

According to one bystander, officers searched the boot of the vehicle and arrested the man straight afterwards.

The same witness said what was suspected to be Class A drugs were found, although that detail has not been confirmed by police.

The man was taken away in a police car, while an officer drove the suspect’s vehicle from the scene.

The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for comment.

Image: File photo