News

Security fears cost older people dearly

Published

12 years ago

January 6, 2014

HOME security fears could be costing older people a fortune on electricity bills this winter, with seven out of ten leaving lights on when they’re not at home – and most doing it because they are worried about opportunist crime.

National research into household energy use has shown that 69% of those aged 55 and over are paying to light up their empty houses – with the overwhelming majority fearful they will be vulnerable to break-ins unless they stay switched on. Comparatively, younger people are far less concerned about the threat of intruders this winter, with just 24% of 18 to 24-year olds leaving lights on to deter burglars.

Keith Scott at LEDHut.co.uk (which carried out the research) says: “The advice from the police is that lighting is a very effective deterrent against theft, so the 55+ age group is certainly doing the right thing by being vigilant.

The problem this winter is that energy costs are soaring and it’s becoming increasingly expensive to stay switched on.

“Even if they pop out for a couple of hours each day, feeling secure could be costing older people £120 more than it needs to every year. With this in mind, it really does pay to find ways to stay safe and save this winter. Just swapping their traditional bulbs for money- and energy-saving LEDs could cut people’s lighting bills by up 90%. It’s also worth investing in a timer to control which lights come on when you’re out, as leaving the same light switched on all the time can be a clue that no-one is home. A motion-sensor outdoor security light will also help deter unwanted night-time visitors.”

The survey of 2,000 UK adults was carried out by LEDHut.co.uk as part of its Savvy Switch campaign, which aims to help households save by making simple, low-cost changes to slash their energy use this winter. Fronted by property expert Sarah Beeny, the Savvy Switch is urging homes to make the simple switch to eco-friendly, money-saving LED light bulbs – a move that could see an incredible total saving of more than £8bn on electricity bills and 5m tonnes of CO2.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.