News
116 new CCTV cameras to be installed across Dyfed-Powys
WORK to reinvest in CCTV in 17 towns throughout the Dyfed-Powys region will start this month.
Dyfed-Powys Police has completed a thorough procurement process and has awarded the contract for the work to Baydale Control Systems Ltd. The hi-tech cameras are being supplied by Hikvision UK & Ireland.
The project will bring 116 state of the art CCTV cameras to towns identified as priority camera locations through crime analysis and stakeholder consultation.
The reinvestment and improvement of the existing CCTV provision is a top priority for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn, who has been instrumental in bringing the project to fruition since his election.
Dafydd Llywelyn, Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “CCTV was a key election pledge of mine, and I promised I would invest in a modern CCTV infrastructure. I am very pleased to be able to say that this is now happening.
“It is vitally important that the force makes the best use of this significant reinvestment to target hotspots and drive reductions linked to disorder and violence.
“This rollout will not be the end of the force’s work in this area and future opportunities for camera sites will be considered.”
Mark Collins, Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable, said: “A tremendous amount of work has gone into the CCTV Project to get it to this stage. The background work has been necessary to ensure we have a CCTV infrastructure of cameras in appropriate, needs-assessed locations.
“The cameras themselves will be the latest technology, which will help Dyfed-Powys to remain one of the safest places to live, work and visit in the UK. I’m confident the system will prove to be an invaluable asset in preventing crime and responding to emerging incidents swiftly before they escalate. Evidence from the CCTV cameras will also no doubt prove an important investigative tool for officers.”
Work is scheduled to begin in Builth Wells, Powys on the second week of July.
The programme of works will be carried out over the coming months and is due for completion in Spring 2019.
Camera locations have been selected through careful mapping of hotspot crime and anti-social behaviour areas to fully maximise the benefits from each camera site.
Jeremy Owens, Area Manager for Baydale Control Systems Ltd said: “It is with great pleasure that Baydale Control systems Ltd would like to announce the award of the Dyfed-Powys Police public space CCTV contract.
“Baydale has designed a system tailored to the needs of a modern, forward thinking police force.
“We look forward to delivering a solution, which will be one of the first in the UK, and building a close working relationship with Dyfed-Powys police.
“In winning this prestigious contract it allows Baydale Control Systems Ltd to commit to further growth and job opportunities in Wales.”
The project is supported by the Welsh Government and the four local authorities.
Most of the existing cameras are owned by local authorities and town councils. As part of the reinvestment project, and through agreement with the local authorities and councils, Dyfed-Powys Police will take ownership of 116 of those sites.
The cameras will bring high definition CCTV imagery to a central monitoring system at Police Headquarters. There will also be monitoring facilities at local stations allowing local officers to monitor their local cameras with the touch of a button. Officers will also be able to review CCTV on their mobile data devices.
Ian Compton, Business Development Manager for Hikvision UK&I, said: “Hikvision UK is honoured that Dyfed-Powys Police has chosen our range of innovative video surveillance products and solutions.
“We look forward to working closely with the project delivery team and our partners, Baydale Control Systems Ltd, to help bring public safety across the area.”
These 17 towns have been identified for CCTV reinvestment:
Aberystwyth
Ammanford
Brecon
Builth Wells
Cardigan
Carmarthen
Fishguard
Haverfordwest
Llandrindod Wells
Llanelli
Milford Haven
Newtown
Pembroke
Pembroke Dock
Saundersfoot
Tenby
Welshpool
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
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
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’
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/.
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