News

Dyfed-Powys spotlighted for high number of shotgun certificate holders

Published

2 years ago

March 19, 2024

IN a recent comprehensive study by security analysts at Get Licensed, the Dyfed-Powys police force area has been spotlighted for its high number of shotgun certificate holders, positioning itself prominently within the UK. With over 2,400 shotgun certificate holders per 100,000 people, the region is now among the top 10 areas in the United Kingdom, showcasing a significant engagement in lawful shotgun ownership.

This landmark report, dubbed the UK Firearm Report, delves deep into various facets of firearm ownership, including offence rates, certificate issuances, and the economic impact of the certification process. The findings place Dyfed-Powys at the zenith of the list, revealing a total of 12,918 firearm and shotgun certificate holders, which translates to an impressive 2,489.02 holders per 100,000 people in the area.

Rank	Police force area	Firearm certificate holders	Shotgun certificate holders	Firearm and/or shotgun certificate holders	Firearm and/or shotgun certificate holders per 100,000
1	Dyfed-Powys	4,239	12,611	12,918	2,489.02
2	North Yorkshire	6,652	17,375	17,869	2,157.83
3	Norfolk	5,160	19,447	19,833	2,143.41
4	Suffolk	4,457	15,455	15,779	2,052.95
5	West Mercia	7,225	25,400	25,933	1,973.59
6	Wiltshire	3,518	12,649	12,949	1,723.09
7	Lincolnshire	3,893	12,339	12,661	1,632.62
8	Gloucestershire	2,597	10,194	10,410	1,595.65
9	Cumbria	2,826	7,217	7,507	1,492.45
10	North Wales	2,810	9,625	9,886	1,436.50

A Closer Look at Dyfed-Powys

The research conducted by Get Licensed sheds light on several key aspects of firearms in the Dyfed-Powys area. Notably, there have been 33 offences involving firearms per 100,000 people recorded over the past decade. Furthermore, the region hosts 8 firearms dealers per 100,000 people and boasts an astounding figure of 6,557 shotguns per 100,000 individuals.

In the year spanning April 2022 to March 2023, the area witnessed 62 firearm certificates being revoked, highlighting the stringent measures in place to ensure public safety. Additionally, around 2.71% of firearm applications were rejected during the 2022/23 period, indicating a rigorous vetting process. Financially, the population of Dyfed-Powys has invested approximately £175,319 in renewing and applying for shotgun and firearm certificates, showcasing the community’s commitment to responsible gun ownership.

National Context and Comparisons

The report also provides a broader perspective on firearm and shotgun certification across the UK. For instance, the West Midlands police force has recorded the highest number of firearm offences, with more than 200 incidents per 100,000 people. Warwickshire emerges as the area with the highest number of firearms dealers, and Durham sees the highest rate of firearms application rejections.

In terms of licence revocations, Devon and Cornwall lead the way, while Kent’s residents have spent the most on their firearm and shotgun certificates, surpassing £310k. The report also highlights that BB guns/soft air weapons were the most reported principal weapon in the last decade, featuring in nearly 13,000 incidents.

Implications and Insights

The prominence of Dyfed-Powys in the realm of shotgun certificates speaks volumes about the region’s culture and its people’s enthusiasm for shooting sports and activities. It also underlines the importance of rigorous checks and balances in place to ensure that firearm ownership remains a safe and regulated practice within the community.

As this comprehensive report circulates, it not only places Dyfed-Powys on the map for its notable high rate of shotgun certificate holders but also encourages a dialogue on the responsibilities that come with firearm ownership. For the full insights and details, the UK Firearm Report by Get Licensed is available for public access, providing an in-depth look at firearm statistics across the nation.

Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Published

15 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests

DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.

The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.

Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.

Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.

A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.

Crime

Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls

Published

15 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.

Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.

The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.

Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.

The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

Finance

Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end

Published

16 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.

The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.

Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.

With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.

The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.

Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”

Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.

Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)