News

Police support action against Modern Day Slavery

Published

9 years ago

October 18, 2016

548_freedom_-_hand_on_cage AS 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

Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Published

5 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests

DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.

The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.

Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.

Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.

A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.

Crime

Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls

Published

5 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.

Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.

The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.

Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.

The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

Finance

Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end

Published

5 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.

The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.

Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.

With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.

The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.

Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”

Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.

Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)