News
Anti-social behaviour and vandalism ‘a continuing problem’ in Milford Haven
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
Jailed for breaching domestic violence protection order
AMY Woolston, 20, of Vine Road, Johnston, Pembrokeshire, has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for breaching a domestic violence protection order.
On 15th May 2024, Woolston was found in the company of a man in a flat at The Farmers Arms, Market Street, Whitland, in violation of the order issued by Llanelli Magistrates Court on 10th May 2024.
The court deemed the offence serious due to the proximity to the original order and a previous breach involving the same victim. Woolston was not in custody and appeared unrepresented in court. Her total sentence length is 18 weeks.
The case was dealt with in Haverfordwest court on May 16.
News
Lease of former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse approved
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet has this week approved the transfer of the former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council.
The Cabinet approved a 21-year lease which will facilitate the Town Council’s plan to bring the premises back into use.
The future of the former Courthouse has been considered in detail, with the Town Council carrying out a public consultation on the community’s requirements, and the sites potential contribution to those local needs. The outcome of the consultation suggested that the local community wanted the building to be retained, refurbished and transformed into a multi- use centre.
Newcastle Emlyn Town Council intend to submit an application for funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF] in order to pay for the necessary restoration work. The funding is conditional upon the Town Council having a lease of sufficient term on the premises.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Alun Lenny commented: “The building as it currently stands is not needed for further use by the County Council and has been empty for some time. I welcome the Cabinet’s decision to approve the transfer of this asset to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council. The funding will ensure that the building is being used for the benefit of the town’s residents.
“This decision is in line with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Wellbeing Objectives: Enabling our communities and environment to be healthy, safe, and prosperous (Prosperous Communities).”
Crime
Teenagers fled from Pembroke RFC after setting spectators stand on fire
ON MONDAY (may 16) between the hours of 16:25 and 17:00, the spectators stand of Pembroke Rugby Football Club was deliberately set on fire, police have said.
Two males, aged between 17-19, fled from the club grounds immediately after the smoke plumes were noticed.
Both males were on dark framed push bikes and wearing dark coloured hooded jumpers.
Officers are asking if anyone who has any information or has witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area around these times, is asked to contact police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Quote reference: 24000446140
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
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