News

Anti-social behaviour and vandalism ‘a continuing problem’ in Milford Haven

Published

4 years ago

February 1, 2022

MILFORD HAVEN residents, fed up with antisocial behaviour, vandalism, properties being targeted, and cars being damaged in the town have put pressure on the police to act.

After multiple calls, this week Dyfed-Powys Police sent letters to residents on affected street stating that the force was investigating “a number of incidents”, all taking place in recent weeks.

The police confirmed that “a number of properties were targeted with youths knocking on doors, windows and kicking doors resulting in damage.”

The police added that these youths had “thrown eggs at properties”

This has resulted in “a number of crimes being recorded” and “investigations to identify the youths responsible.”

Police said that the impact that this is having on the lives of Milford Haven residents is significant and will not be tolerated. They added: “Milford Haven Police remain committed to dealing with anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and the safeguarding of our communities.”

Commenting on the continuing problem on social media, Joshua Stephens said that installing and upgrading the CCTV camera by the ‘Nisa’ shop on Cromwell Road might be a start. He said: “A lot of these “youths” have been targeting properties up this area for a while now.”

A fed-up local resident, Anthony Dyson, who said he was threatened with violence after sternly telling the “youths” to move on after they had “thrown a rock through a four-year-old child’s bedroom window”, put on social media: “I’ve phoned DPP several times now and just get the same old crap “The investigating officer isn’t here right now; I’ll get him them to call you back” and then nothing.

“I’ve even told them I’ve been given three names of the lads. If they don’t get in touch soon because I’m not doing the work for them and ringing them every day, if they don’t call me back soon, I WILL post these three names on Facebook for everyone to see.”

Another Milfordian, Susan Smith commented: “So where are the cameras Around the streets?

“There appears to be a heavy reliance upon residents and motorists to record and submit our own footage nowadays.

“The racing/dangerous driving as well as the anti-social behaviour being routinely displayed just demonstrates the utter lack of respect in existence.

“There needs to be a much harder line exercised.

“You can’t engage with those who behave in this way already. It should start at a young age, so people grow up understanding what is and isn’t acceptable.

“Our rates pay for public services and so I think the majority of us have an expectation that we will be “protected” from adverse and damaging behaviours.

“People need to report, obtain an incident number as an audit trial and to follow up to ensure that cases are investigated correctly and in timely manner.

“Too many people complain but lack confidence in the police to do anything about it or take seriously sadly. Some officers need refresher training on how their salaries are funded, I think.”

On December 17, a garage door on Robert Street was damaged at approximately midnight on December 17, to December 18. The garage door is beyond repair and cost £2,000 to replace.

Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Two people were seen in dark clothing walking away from the scene, down Robert Street towards Mansfield Street.

In September 2021, vandals struck St David’s Church in Hubberston, Milford Haven. Stained glass windows and the graveyard and graves themselves were desecrated. Over time, broken glass, litter, and cans, as well as condoms, sanitary towels, signs of drug use and human excrement have had to be cleared away by the ageing congregation at the church. One churchgoer said at the time that part of the churchyard is having to be cleared of debris on an almost daily basis.

People living in the neighbouring area said they also felt threatened and experienced damage to their own property by the anti-social behaviour of people spending their time at the churchyard.

This included the nearby Hubberston and Hakin Community Centre and its memorial gardens, which was then undergoing refurbishments following its investment after the threat of closure.

Another example was two months before this. At approximately 7pm on Aug 20 last year, a window was put through in Charles Street, before the cars had damage to their wing mirrors in Pill Lane.

In 2020, police in Milford Haven carried out targeted foot patrols in the town in response to anti-social behaviour issues. An appeal for information was put out after eggs were thrown at a moving car by ‘The Arches’ on Milford Marina. Police said that a crash had been avoided and that they were looking at CCTV footage. They said that several young people were spoken to with a positive impact. The previous month, Milford Haven Port Authority had issued a press release titled: “Port issues warning about tombstoning and anti-social behaviour at Milford Marina”.

Anna Malloy, Communications Manager said: ““We are able, under our byelaws, to issue fines and banning notices to anyone caught breaking the clear rules we have in place around Milford Marina and Docks. The rules are there for everyone’s safety and to enable the majority of people to come and enjoy the fantastic environment we are so lucky to have.””

Crime

Woman jailed for stealing £245,000 from Pembrokeshire charity

Published

1 hour ago

December 20, 2025

Court Reporter

Trustee abused position of trust, leaving organisation facing closures, job losses and tax debt

A WOMAN who abused her position at a Pembrokeshire-based charity to steal almost a quarter of a million pounds has been jailed for four years.

Liza Haines, 54, defrauded Sazani Associates, a not-for-profit organisation based in Pembroke, of £245,410.63 over a five-year period.

The charity delivers education and sustainable development programmes in Europe and Africa, working with communities in poorer regions.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Haines was both a trustee and operations manager at the organisation, placing her in a senior and trusted role with extensive financial responsibilities.

Emily Bennett, prosecuting, told the court that Haines was responsible for payroll, pensions and VAT returns, giving her direct access to the charity’s bank accounts.

Between 2018 and 2023, she systematically diverted funds for her own use.

When the fraud was uncovered, the charity’s accounts were found to be empty, leaving it unable to pay staff. Directors were forced to take out personal loans to cover wages.

The court heard that the financial damage caused by Haines’ actions led to job losses, the closure of offices in Carmarthen and Zanzibar, and the cancellation of several projects. The organisation was also left owing £93,000 to HM Revenue and Customs.

Dr Ian Clegg, a retired university lecturer and director of Sazani Associates, read a victim impact statement to the court.

He said the directors had been left “shocked and bewildered” by the betrayal, adding that Haines had been trusted to play an important role within the organisation.

Dr Clegg told the court that the directors had received threatening letters from creditors, causing serious professional and personal distress.

“This was a calculated deception,” he said, adding that the situation had taken both a physical and mental toll on those involved in running the charity.

Haines, of Clos Cilsaig, Dafen, Llanelli, pleaded guilty to fraud.

The court heard that she has a previous conviction for theft by employee dating back to 2007, when she stole around £7,000 while working as an administrator at St Mark’s Court Care Home in Swansea. She was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for eighteen months.

That conviction was not disclosed when she applied for her role at Sazani Associates.

Dyfed Llion Thomas, representing Haines, said her guilty plea amounted to significant mitigation and told the court she had shown genuine remorse. The court was also told that she has an elderly mother.

Sentencing her, Judge Paul Hobson said she had been fully aware of the risks of her actions but had ignored them out of greed.

“This organisation was a labour of love for those who built it,” he said.

He added: “Your work life was a sham. You knew the financial harm you were causing. The consequences of what you did have been devastating. You are an habitually dishonest individual.”

Haines was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

A proceeds of crime hearing is due to take place on April 23 next year.

Business

Pembroke Dock restaurant to close on Christmas Day after £23,000 rates rise

Published

2 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKE DOCK restaurant owner has said she is “devastated” after being forced to close her business on Christmas Day following a projected business rates increase of more than £23,000.

Randalls Restaurant, which operates from The Dolphin Hotel in Pembroke Dock, has been run by Natalie Newton and her family since 1999. Ms Newton took over the business in 2018 after her parents retired, overseeing a major transformation from a traditional pub and bed and breakfast into a hotel and restaurant.

***Chef Ben Randal and fiancée, Natalie Newton who owns the hotel (Image: Dolphin Hotel)***

For the past seven years, she and her fiancée, chef Ben Randall, have worked to build the restaurant’s reputation, offering breakfasts, lunches and evening meals using locally sourced produce where possible, as well as hosting special events including Christmas parties, buffets, afternoon teas and themed dining nights.

However, Ms Newton said she was left with no option but to close the restaurant after discovering that its business rates are expected to rise from around £10,000 to £33,000 from next year.

She said: “It’s a great shame. My father is absolutely devastated – this was his legacy. I took it over and built a really successful restaurant, and now it feels like it’s been taken away.”

Ms Newton said she checked her projected rates bill using the Government’s online calculator and was shocked to see that it had more than trebled. With quieter trading months expected early in the year, she said the increase was simply not sustainable.

“January, February and March are quieter months,” she said. “From April I’d need to find an extra £2,750 every month. Even if I managed it, I’d be working for nothing, and I’m worried I wouldn’t be able to pay my bills and would end up in the red.”

She added: “I’ve made the decision to close straight after Christmas Day. It’s drastic, but I have to keep my head above water and protect everything my parents worked for.”

Ms Newton said the decision had not only affected her family but also the restaurant’s eleven members of staff.

“I’ve invested everything back into this business,” she said. “Every penny the restaurant has made has gone straight back into it. I’ve worked every day, nights and weekends, and I haven’t had Christmas at home for seven years.

“For the last six months I’d look around the restaurant when it was busy and think how lucky we were. People were happy, good food was going out. Now it feels like it’s all been snatched away.”

The Herald has reported extensively on growing concern among Pembrokeshire businesses over sharp increases in business rates following updated valuations, with several town centre traders warning that rising fixed costs are pushing otherwise viable businesses to the brink.

Ms Newton said she intends to focus on running the hotel after Christmas but will miss the restaurant and its customers.

“I’m going to miss everyone,” she said. “I’ve loved building relationships with customers over the years. I just want to thank everyone who believed in Ben and me and supported us.”

Business rates in Wales are due to be updated from April 1, 2026, to reflect current property values. The Welsh Government has said that while many businesses will see their bills fall, others will face increases.

It has announced that any business facing an increase of more than £300 will have the rise phased in over two years rather than being applied in full immediately.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language Mark Drakeford said previously: “We know businesses have faced significant economic challenges in recent years. This support package will help them manage the transition to updated rates bills while we deliver on our commitment to a fairer rates system.”

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

21 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi