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Police support action against Modern Day Slavery

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548_freedom_-_hand_on_cageAS PART of Dyfed-Powys Police’s commitment to Anti-Slavery Week (Oct 17-21), officers are conducting activity aimed at raising awareness to break down the traditional views of slavery, and individuals who may be exploiting workers. They will also be offering support to victims, and reinforcing the fact that Wales is hostile to perpetrators of Modern Slavery.

Each day will focus on various themes, and officers will educate businesses and organisations on understanding their role and responsibility in tackling Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.

Chief Inspector Ross Evans said: “This week our officers will be conducting a number of visits to locations across the force area to ensure that we identify potential victims of forced labour, and where appropriate take steps to ensure their safety and prosecuting offenders. Forced labour is very often over-looked in terms of modern slavery, it can take years for victims to either disclose their abuse or break away from abusers.

“We will ensure that employers are aware that people must be employed legally, employees are treated with respect and care and are not being exploited. Officers have been trained to identify the warning signs of those who are most vulnerable but we need our communities to be our eyes and ears. We cannot rely upon victims to come forward and report abuse, because many will be unaware of their abuse and the crime remains hidden in plain sight.   There is a social responsibility upon us all to do all we can to protect vulnerable people. During this week officers will be out in communities speaking to residents, business owners, and people working at our ports about modern day slavery and explaining what to look out for and how people can help us to stop this exploitation taking place.”

He added: “The campaign is designed to support those affected and highlight that there is confidential and professional support to encourage people to come forward to ensure they are safe from harm – and ultimately prosecute offenders. Each individual case is a personal tragedy for those involved.  Being aware of slavery will help us to rescue more survivors and bring to justice their perpetrators.”

Spotting the signs and indicators of slavery

This list is not exhaustive:

  • Having no personal identification or passport/documents and held by someone else.
  • Lack of money/no control over own finances or lack of access to earnings.
  • Living/sleeping in the place of work or in cramped, unsanitary conditions
  • Evidence of control of movement either as an individual or group.
  • Limited contact with family and limited social contact.
  • Others seeking to speak for the person you are trying to engage with.
  • Children not in education.
  • Children living with non-relevant families.
  • Signs of branding/ownership.
  • Signs of physical abuse / mental anguish
  • Injuries as a result of assault or ill treatment
  • Lack of access to medical care.
  • Extreme reaction to authority (fear, shying away, overly suggestive)
  • Lifestyles they cannot afford, for example a new mobile telephone, clothes, money

Say ‘no’ to slavery, if you see it, report it!

If urgent call the Police on 999, if non-urgent call 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. You can also contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121700, or visit www.wales.gov.uk/anti-slavery

 

 

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Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

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Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

 

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Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

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Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.

 

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