Crime

Police and Crime Commissioner’s conference explores policing in a digital age

Published

3 months ago

March 6, 2026

A CONFERENCE examining how technology is reshaping modern policing brought together experts, officers and community representatives at Dyfed-Powys Police Headquarters in Carmarthen on Wednesday (Mar 4).

Hosted by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Policing in a Digital Age conference welcomed guests both in person and online, with speakers discussing the opportunities and risks created by rapidly evolving digital technology.

The event, chaired by Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn, brought together policing professionals, partner organisations, businesses, academics and community representatives to explore the growing impact of artificial intelligence, cybercrime and digital systems on community safety.

One of the opening sessions focused on how criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence. Luke Pulvirenti, AI Intelligence Coordinator, outlined how AI-assisted technologies are being used to facilitate fraud and exploitation, particularly targeting vulnerable people. He stressed the importance of public awareness and prevention.

Delegates also heard from Dyfed-Powys Police representatives Karen Marshall and Calvin Griffiths, who discussed the work of the Force Communication Centre. They explained how digital systems, CCTV and online reporting tools are transforming public contact with police and helping officers respond more effectively to incidents.

Emerging technologies were another focus of the conference. Detective Sergeant Rob Gravelle and James Taylor outlined how immersive and virtual reality technologies are being explored to improve police training, particularly for first responders and officers dealing with domestic abuse investigations.

The growing cybercrime threat was addressed by Allan Rush, Cyber Fraud Investigator with Dyfed-Powys Police. He highlighted the increasing range of digital threats affecting individuals, businesses and communities across the force area.

National perspectives were also provided during the event. Scott Lloyd, Temporary Superintendent and National Science and Innovation Coordinator at the National Police Chiefs’ Council, spoke about balancing technological innovation with the need for transparency, legitimacy and public trust in AI-enabled policing.

He was joined by colleagues Dominic Edgell, a Police Sergeant, and Karl Roberts, Temporary Chief Inspector with the National Facial Recognition Unit. They explained how facial recognition technology is currently being used in policing and demonstrated the latest live facial recognition systems.

The conference concluded with a presentation from Andrew Staniforth, Director of Saher Europe, who explored how policing organisations around the world are responding to rapid technological change. His session examined international approaches to policing innovation and what lessons could shape the future of policing in the UK.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “I am grateful to all of the speakers and attendees who contributed to such an insightful and thought-provoking day.

“As technology continues to evolve, it is vital that policing, partners and communities work together to understand both the opportunities and challenges it presents.

“Events such as this help ensure we remain informed, collaborative and prepared to respond to the changing nature of crime in a digital age.”

Crime

Begelly man remanded over alleged May Day assault

Published

12 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been remanded in custody following an alleged May Day assault against a woman in Begelly.

Tomas Baker, 34, of Ty Dee, New Road, Begelly, is accused of assaulting the woman, causing actual bodily harm, at an undisclosed location in Begelly on May 1.

Baker appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week by video link from Swansea Prison.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His trial will take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on June 22.

Crime

Waterston man denies child rape and sexual assault charges

Published

12 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A WATERSTON man has appeared before magistrates charged with 13 sexual offences against children, including three allegations of raping a girl under the age of 13.

Chaisee Price, 25, of Biggins Hill, Waterston, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

He faces three charges of raping a girl under 13, eight charges of sexually assaulting girls aged between five and eight, and two charges of intentionally inciting girls under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2014 and 2019.

Price denied all charges.

Because of the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court on July 10.

Price was released on conditional bail.

The conditions include a daily electronically monitored curfew between 6:00pm and 6:00am, no contact with the prosecution witness, no unsupervised contact with children under 18, and a requirement to surrender his passport to police.

Crime

Haverfordwest pair accused of £80,000 rogue trading frauds

Published

12 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

TWO men from a Haverfordwest traveller family have been described in court as “rogue traders” following a series of alleged frauds totalling almost £80,000.

Billy Alfred Gary Lovell, 38, and Timothy Dean Lovell, 36, both of Under the Hills, Merlins Bridge, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

They are accused of offences linked to ground clearance and gardening work in Mathry, Sardis and two addresses in Carmarthenshire.

Prosecuting on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Trading Standards Department, barrister Harry Dickens told the court: “These men have to be described as rogue traders.”

Billy Lovell faces 16 charges, including fraud by false representation, fraud by failing to disclose information, and unfair commercial practices.

The most serious allegation relates to Diana and Martin Hearnshaw, of Sardis. It is alleged that between January 30, 2022, and January 16, 2025, Billy Lovell dishonestly represented that he would complete clearance and gardening works worth £71,631, but failed to carry out work to that value.

He is also accused of offences involving Richard Gardner, of Penygroes, Carmarthenshire, Irene Williams, of Mathry, and Daniel Watts, of Ty Croes, Carmarthenshire.

Timothy Lovell faces ten charges arising from alleged incidents involving Richard Gardner and Irene Williams.

The allegations include claims that the defendants failed to provide accurate invoices, receipts, written contractual terms, cancellation rights and refund information. Some charges also allege that aggressive commercial practices were used, including harassment, coercion or undue influence.

No pleas were recorded. Because of the seriousness of the allegations, District Judge Mark Layton declined jurisdiction.

The case will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court on June 12.

Both defendants were granted conditional bail. They must not contact prosecution witnesses directly or indirectly, must live and sleep each night at their respective addresses in Under the Hills, Merlins Bridge, and must not undertake any gardening or landscaping work.