News
Potential fraud victims saved from losing half a million pounds
POTENTIAL scam victims living in the Dyfed-Powys Police area have been saved from losing more than half a million pounds in just one year thanks to a fraud prevention scheme.
The ground-breaking Banking Protocol enables bank staff to contact police if they suspect a customer is in the process of being scammed, with a rapid response directed to the branch.
The scheme was launched in the autumn of 2016 as a way of identifying and protecting potential fraud victims when they visit a bank or building society. Dyfed-Powys Police joined in 2017 and has since received 49 calls for service from banks and building societies across the force.
In the past year, the protocol has prevented a loss of £561,520, and has allowed officers to identify 32 previously unknown vulnerable victims.
Paul Callard, of the Dyfed-Powys Police Financial Crime Team, said: “We know that the most vulnerable in our communities are being targeted and defrauded by heartless criminals, using a variety of methods.
“A common method for fraud offences to be carried out is by encouraging victims to go to their bank, building society or Post Office to withdraw cash or transfer money out of their account.
“Through the Banking Protocol, bank and building society staff can contact us directly if they have any concerns about someone withdrawing large amounts of money, or attempting an unusual transaction.
“We are able to identify and protect potential fraud victims, and by working in partnership with the finance industry and Trading Standards we can really make a difference and protect the most vulnerable.
“Thanks to the Banking Protocol we have succeeded in preventing over £500,000 being lost to fraudsters since autumn 2017 in Dyfed-Powys alone, and prevented the victimisation of some of the most susceptible.
“This is a testament to the impact that can be directly attributed to the Banking Protocol, and we are excited to see further positive success stories as we move forward.”
Entertainment
Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis
PUBLIC INVITED TO LETTERSTON EVENT HOSTED BY TRANSITION BRO GWAUN
A FREE public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing is to be held at Letterston Memorial Hall on Friday, May 29.
The event, hosted by Transition Bro Gwaun, starts at 7:00pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.
The screening will be introduced by Dr Sarah Beynon, of The Bug Farm, St Davids, and will be followed by a structured discussion on climate and nature risks and what they may mean for local communities.
The 50-minute film has been adapted from the National Emergency Briefing, held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers, business leaders, cultural figures, faith representatives, sports figures and media leaders gathered to hear from experts on climate and nature risks.
The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, examines the potential impact of climate and nature breakdown on food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security.
Dr Beynon said: “We are in a biodiversity and climate emergency. We have destroyed over half of our wildlife. In my late father’s lifetime, we have destroyed 97% of our wildflower meadows.
“Over 80% of our habitats are in poor condition. Over 60% of our rivers are not in good health and one in five species is at risk of extinction.
“How do we want to leave this planet for future generations? Then ask yourself if you are prepared to act. If you are, the first step is to understand the issues facing us, and this film is a vital part of understanding the situation we are in so we can all step up and do something together.”
The People’s Emergency Briefing was launched nationwide in April and is now being screened in communities across the UK. Organisers say more than 300 showings have already taken place, with around 1,000 scheduled over the summer.
Further local screenings are also planned for Solva and Cardigan in June.
Transition Bro Gwaun said the Letterston event comes at a time when communities in Pembrokeshire are facing increasing pressure from severe weather, flooding, dry spells and wildfire risks.
November and December 2025 saw flooding affect many areas, with the Met Office confirming rainfall was more than 50% above average during that period.
The group said the event was not intended to be “doom and gloom”, but would also focus on practical and hopeful responses.
Henry Tufnell MP, Pembrokeshire county councillors and town and community councillors have been invited to attend.
Tom Latter, trustee at Transition Bro Gwaun, said: “TBG welcomes the opportunity to host one of many Emergency Briefing events around the UK, addressing the climate and nature crisis.
“Co-ordinated restorative action is urgently needed, and understanding of the urgency for honest commitment to resilience planning from all branches of society.”
Free tickets are available through Transition Bro Gwaun, and refreshments will be provided.
Climate
Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis
PUBLIC INVITED TO LETTERSTON EVENT HOSTED BY TRANSITION BRO GWAUN
A FREE public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing is to be held at Letterston Memorial Hall on Friday, May 29.
The event, hosted by Transition Bro Gwaun, starts at 7:00pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.
The screening will be introduced by Dr Sarah Beynon, of The Bug Farm, St Davids, and will be followed by a structured discussion on climate and nature risks and what they may mean for local communities.
The 50-minute film has been adapted from the National Emergency Briefing, held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers, business leaders, cultural figures, faith representatives, sports figures and media leaders gathered to hear from experts on climate and nature risks.
The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, examines the potential impact of climate and nature breakdown on food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security.
Dr Beynon said: “We are in a biodiversity and climate emergency. We have destroyed over half of our wildlife. In my late father’s lifetime, we have destroyed 97% of our wildflower meadows.
“Over 80% of our habitats are in poor condition. Over 60% of our rivers are not in good health and one in five species is at risk of extinction.
“How do we want to leave this planet for future generations? Then ask yourself if you are prepared to act. If you are, the first step is to understand the issues facing us, and this film is a vital part of understanding the situation we are in so we can all step up and do something together.”
The People’s Emergency Briefing was launched nationwide in April and is now being screened in communities across the UK. Organisers say more than 300 showings have already taken place, with around 1,000 scheduled over the summer.
Further local screenings are also planned for Solva and Cardigan in June.
Transition Bro Gwaun said the Letterston event comes at a time when communities in Pembrokeshire are facing increasing pressure from severe weather, flooding, dry spells and wildfire risks.
November and December 2025 saw flooding affect many areas, with the Met Office confirming rainfall was more than 50% above average during that period.
The group said the event was not intended to be “doom and gloom”, but would also focus on practical and hopeful responses.
Henry Tufnell MP, Pembrokeshire county councillors and town and community councillors have been invited to attend.
Tom Latter, trustee at Transition Bro Gwaun, said: “TBG welcomes the opportunity to host one of many Emergency Briefing events around the UK, addressing the climate and nature crisis.
“Co-ordinated restorative action is urgently needed, and understanding of the urgency for honest commitment to resilience planning from all branches of society.”
Free tickets are available through Transition Bro Gwaun, and refreshments will be provided.
Community
Police issue A477 crash appeal after five taken to hospital
FIVE people were taken to hospital, three with serious injuries, following a collision on the A477 between Llanteg and Red Roses on Sunday (May 24).
Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 5:00pm and involved a grey Honda Civic i-VTEC and a white Kia Soul 2.
A 23-year-old man has been arrested and remains in police custody.
Officers are appealing for anyone who was driving on the A477 at around the time of the collision, or who may have dash-cam footage of either vehicle before the crash, to come forward.
Police said visitors to Pembrokeshire who may not know the area should check their route in case they were travelling along the A477 at the relevant time.
Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Quote reference: 326 of May 24.
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