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

Lamphey parent fined over child’s school attendance record

Published

4 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PARENT from the Lamphey area has been fined after failing to ensure their child attended school regularly, magistrates heard.

The case was dealt with in the defendant’s absence at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Dec 11) following proceedings brought by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The court heard that between Wednesday (April 30) and Friday (May 23), the parent failed to secure regular school attendance for their child, who was of compulsory school age at the time.

The offence was brought under section 444 of the Education Act 1996, which places a legal duty on parents to ensure their children attend school regularly.

The case was proved in absence, and magistrates imposed a fine of £220. The parent was also ordered to pay an £88 victim services surcharge and £100 in prosecution costs.

A collection order was made, with the total balance of £408 to be paid by Thursday (Jan 9).

Magistrates imposed reporting restrictions under section 45 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. These prohibit the publication of any information that could identify the child involved, including names, addresses, schools, workplaces or images. The restrictions remain in force until the child reaches the age of eighteen.

Crime

Haverfordwest couple fined over child’s school attendance

Published

13 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A COUPLE from the Haverfordwest school area have been fined after failing to ensure their child attended school regularly, a magistrates’ court has heard.

The pair were dealt with at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Dec 11) in separate but linked cases brought by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The court heard that over a period in May, the couple failed to secure regular attendance at school for their child, who was of compulsory school age at the time.

Both cases were brought under section 444 of the Education Act 1996, which places a legal duty on parents to ensure their children attend school regularly.

One parent admitted the offence, with the guilty plea taken into account during sentencing. They were fined £40 and ordered to pay a £16 victim services surcharge and £128 in prosecution costs.

The second parent did not attend court and the case was proved in absence. Magistrates imposed a £60 fine, along with a £24 victim services surcharge and £100 in costs.

Collection orders were made in both cases, with payments set at £24 per month starting in January.

Magistrates imposed strict reporting restrictions under section 45 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. These prohibit the publication of any information that could identify the child involved, including names, addresses, schools, workplaces or images.

The restrictions remain in place until the child reaches the age of eighteen.

Crime

Trefin dog case ends in forfeiture order after protection notice breach

Published

21 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Village protest followed months of complaints about barking

A WOMAN from north Pembrokeshire has been fined £1,000 and ordered to forfeit four dogs after repeatedly breaching a Community Protection Notice issued following complaints and protests in her village.

Julia Goodgame, aged fifty-eight, of Bryn Y Derwydd, Trefin, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Dec 11), where she admitted failing to comply with the terms of a notice served by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The court heard that on Friday (June 20) Goodgame failed to secure control of her dogs just three days after a Community Protection Notice was issued on Tuesday (June 17). The notice was served under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The case followed months of complaints from residents in Trefin relating to dog noise and control. Earlier this year, the dispute escalated into a public protest in the village, with a number of residents gathering to raise concerns about constant barking and its impact on daily life.

Goodgame had previously denied breaching the notice when she first appeared before magistrates in September. At that hearing, the council alleged multiple breaches across June and July and said enforcement action had been taken only after informal measures failed. A trial was later listed for Monday (Nov 10), with several witnesses expected to give evidence.

However, at the November hearing, Goodgame changed her plea from not guilty to guilty to one offence, with the remaining allegations not proceeded with.

As part of Wednesday’s sentence, magistrates ordered the immediate forfeiture and seizure of four Border Collie dogs, which Goodgame told the court were the only dogs in her possession.

Authorised officers from Pembrokeshire County Council are permitted to seize the dogs, with custody transferred to the council or an approved animal welfare organisation to ensure their humane handling and care. The court granted the council powers to rehome the dogs through reputable animal welfare organisations, or to destroy them if deemed necessary.

Goodgame was also ordered to pay the reasonable costs of seizure, transport, detention and any veterinary treatment required, along with additional enforcement costs.

A Criminal Behaviour Order was imposed until further order of the court. The order prohibits Goodgame from allowing her dogs to create unreasonable noise, leaving dogs outdoors while she is absent from the property, or allowing dog faeces to accumulate at the address. Any waste stored on the premises must be kept in secured bins away from boundary fences.

In addition to the £1,000 fine, she was ordered to pay a £400 victim services surcharge and £1,200 in prosecution costs. A collection order was made, allowing deductions to be taken directly from benefits if necessary.

The forfeiture order was made under section 50 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.