Crime
Shoplifting spree lands Carmarthen man with community order
A 41-YEAR-OLD Carmarthen man has been handed a community order after admitting a string of shop thefts carried out over several weeks.
Nicholas Dunn, aged 41, of Maple Crescent, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with a series of shoplifting offences committed in Carmarthen during January and February this year.
The court heard that Dunn targeted stores on multiple occasions, mainly stealing groceries from a local Co-op store.
Among the offences, Dunn admitted stealing groceries worth £24 on January 31, groceries worth £41 on January 16, and groceries worth £50.50 on January 26. Further thefts included items worth £37.05 and £69.25 during the same month.
The offences continued into February, with Dunn admitting stealing groceries worth £101.50 from the Co-op on February 11 and groceries worth £81.85 on February 7.
In a separate incident on February 1, Dunn also stole a toy valued at £60 from The Entertainer store in Carmarthen.
All offences were contrary to Section 1(1) and Section 7 of the Theft Act 1968.
Magistrates sentenced Dunn to a community order running until March 5, 2027. As part of the order, he must comply with supervision and take part in rehabilitation activity requirements, attending appointments or activities as directed by the responsible officer for up to 15 days.
The court also ordered Dunn to pay compensation, including £60 relating to one of the thefts. Dunn received credit for entering guilty pleas.
Crime
Driver accused of failing to stop for police in Ammanford
A 20-YEAR-OLD Milford Haven man is due to appear before magistrates again next week after being charged with a series of motoring-related offences.
Nathan Roberts, aged 20, of Observatory Avenue, Hakin, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 6).
The court heard that the charges relate to an incident which allegedly took place on December 18, 2025 in Banc-y-Ddraenen, Ammanford.
Roberts is accused of failing to comply with an order from a police officer to stop a moving vehicle. It is alleged that he failed to stop a Volkswagen Passat when instructed to do so by a constable who believed the vehicle was being used in a manner causing alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public.
He also faces a charge of obstructing a police officer in the execution of duty. The court was told that the allegation relates to an incident involving PC Kretzschmar during the same encounter.
A third charge alleges that Roberts failed to produce his driving licence when required to do so by a police officer.
The case was listed before magistrates Mr D Pugh, Mrs U Inglis and Mr L Wrona.
No pleas were entered during Thursday’s hearing and the case was adjourned for a plea hearing.
Roberts is scheduled to appear again at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court at 10:00am on Tuesday (Mar 10).
Crime
Police appeal after cyclist injured in Aberporth collision
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a road traffic collision involving a cyclist and a vehicle in Aberporth.
The incident happened at around 3:45pm on Saturday (Feb 28) on Rhiw Y Plas, at the junction with Heol Pentraeth.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the cyclist sustained minor injuries following the collision.
Officers are now asking anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have captured the incident on dashcam, to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police quoting reference DP-20260301-124.
Information can be provided online via the police website, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Crime
Police and Crime Commissioner’s conference explores policing in a digital age
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.”
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