News

75% of people in Wales have received both doses of the vaccine

Published

5 years ago

July 17, 2021

THREE quarters of people in Wales have now had both doses of the coronavirus vaccine, the Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan has announced.

The latest of figures released yesterday (Friday 16 July) show that after 7 months 1,892,082 people have had both vaccines and completed the course and 2,279,139people or 90.3% of the country have had their first dose.

Wales has already met its third milestone, after offering vaccination to all eligible adults 6 weeks early, and achieving 75% take up in the under 50s a month early.

The Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan: “Every vaccination gives us hope and this is a fantastic achievement in such a short space of time. I’m incredibly proud and grateful to the thousands NHS staff and volunteers who have worked so hard across the country to reach this milestone. I am incredibly proud that Wales has one of the best vaccination rates anywhere in the world. The people of Wales have embraced our efforts to overcome this awful virus by saying yes to this life saving vaccine and I thank everyone who has taken up the offer of the vaccine.

“The pandemic is not over yet. Vaccinations are the way out of this pandemic and the best way to protect yourselves and those around you from the virus. I encourage anyone who hasn’t yet had their vaccination to come forward contact their health board and book their vaccination.”

Dr Gill Richardson, Wales’ Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Vaccines, added: “Today’s figures show Wales has achieved yet another major achievement in our efforts to vaccinate as many people as quickly and safely as possible. All of this has been achieved through the fantastic efforts of our vaccination programme, healthcare staff and the public. Every single dose really does count and the more infectious Delta variant needs us all to have 2 doses to optimise protection which is achieved 2-3 weeks following the second dose.

Every vaccine administered is a step closer to a brighter future for us all. The vaccines are safe and effective and I urge everyone to take up their offer when it is their turn.”

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

5 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

5 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.