News

Half of Wales ready for burglary

Published

10 years ago

January 6, 2014

HALF of people in Wales (47 per cent) admit to keeping a weapon in their home to protect themselves and their property against intruders this winter, a new survey revealed yesterday.

Researchers found that adults in Wales feel nervous when they are home alone, and therefore keep some form of household item close at hand to defend themselves against potential intruders.

Most popular items reserved as possible weapons should the need arise include heavy torches, baseball bats and walking sticks. While others would reach for objects such as umbrellas, golf clubs, frying pans and even rolling pins.

The poll of 2000 adults by security firm ADT found that Brits would also consider using mops, dog leads, and hoover ends to defend themselves against an intruder.

With the average person’s home broken into at least twice and nearly two thirds of the break-ins in Wales happening when at least one person was at home (62 per cent), the study shows people are resorting to make-shift protection.

It was revealed a quarter of burglaries take place in Wales during the dark winter months (23 per cent) with a third of those polled (31 per cent) admitting to feeling unsafe, with the emotional damage much worse than any material loss.

After robberies had taken place, a sixth of homeowners also admitted to feeling that their property wasn’t their ‘home’ anymore (15 per cent).

Mark Shaw of ADT said: “We are shocked by these results and that people would try to protect themselves in this way.

“It is understandable that people feel vulnerable at the moment particularly with recent data showing a rise in property crime after a 20 year decline but the key to keeping your home safe is always about prevention.

“It is about keeping intruders out of your home and avoiding taking unnecessary risks or confronting burglars.

“Burglars are professionals but research suggests thieves are less likely to target homes with alarm systems.

“When people have been targeted and their home invaded, it can have a lasting effect on their lives but by taking professional security measures people can sleep more soundly without worrying about intruders.’’

The survey revealed that despite its importance, home security in Wales is overlooked with less than a quarter (21 per cent) of respondents saying that they have a burglar alarm or other security devices installed in their homes.

Hiding weapons around the house is just one of the ways homeowners are choosing to keep themselves safe, as researchers discovered a host of other unusual safety measures adopted by adults.

Sleeping with a dog in the room, putting up a ‘beware of the dog sign’ when you don’t have a dog, and putting a chair under the door handle are some of the other ways people choose to feel safe. While others prefer to leave music blaring all day and night, waving to imaginary housemates as they enter the house and going to bed fully clothed.

Other respondents believe that sleeping in glasses, keeping a phone by the bed and making sure the curtains are drawn help them feel secure. Double-checking all the windows are shut, asking the neighbours to check on the property while you’re away and leaving a computer web cam running all night were also named as safety techniques.

Borrowing a friend’s dog for the night and keeping neighbours aware of comings and goings were also adopted by respondents in the study.

Mark Shaw of ADT added: “We understand that homeowners, more than ever before, want to keep their homes and families safe.

“Intruders operate as professionals but the last thing they want is confrontation and homeowners should never put themselves at risk or resort to violence.

“Simple security measures such as keeping doors and windows locked, investing in a security light or a monitored alarm will help ensure householders and their possessions are kept safe.

“When a burglary does happen, it’s not just about what they take, it’s what they leave behind. With Christmas fast approaching, most homeowners will have security at the front of their minds and we are urging homeowners to ensure their home is safe this festive season.”

Crime

Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case

Published

4 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).

On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.

When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.

Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.

Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).

While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.

After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.

The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.

“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.

“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.

“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.

“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”

On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.

If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

In an emergency, always call 999.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police

Published

4 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”

In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”

Business

Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’

Published

7 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.

“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”

Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”

“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”

Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.