Crime

Police investigating string of burglaries in Llandysul area

Published

2 years ago

June 4, 2024

POLICE in Ceredigion are investigating a number of burglaries reported in the Llandysul area.

Since the 28th May six incidents have been reported, four of which were shed burglaries in New Road, which were committed sometime between midnight and 5am, Wednesday 29th May. Included in the items stolen were a chainsaw, strimmer, hedge cutter, jet wash and power drills.

Two derelict buildings have also been targeted, the old school, sometime between 8 and 8.45pm, Tuesday, 28th May and the old Awel Deg residential home, between 9pm and 11.00pm, Sunday 2nd June and between 2.30am and 10am, Monday 3rd June.

Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys 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..

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

As a result, police are advising residents to take some simple steps so they don’t become victims of burglaries or thefts.

Temporary Inspector Celt Thomas said: “The burglaries are being investigated and local officers will be targeting suspicious activity in the area and I would also ask that any suspicious people/activities are reported to the police.

“I would encourage residents to ensure that their property is secure and valuables are protectively marked and locked away.”

“There isn’t a big problem with burglary in our area. However, a lapse of security in general can allow burglars to enter your home or your outbuildings. If you take the time to assess the security of your home, follow some useful advice and take positive action, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim”

Reduce the risk of burglary happening to you by making sure you have taken these simple precautions:-

Fit strong locks to your doors and windows and make sure you always keep them fully locked
Try to make your home look occupied if you are away from your property overnight. Invest in a plug-in timer for lamps and radios
Consider installing a burglar alarm. A burglar alarm fitted properly can deter a burglar and the sights of an alarm box outside your home may be enough to discourage them
Prevent intruders getting to the back and sides of your home by installing strong fencing or gates
Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place such as under the doormat, in a flowerpot or behind a loose brick – thieves know to look there first
Use movement sensitive lights externally.
If you are replacing or fitting new doors and windows, get ones that are certified to British Standard BS7950 (windows) and PAS 24-1 (doors)
Fit a door chain or bar and door viewer (spy-hole) and use them every time someone calls.
Ensure good quality locks are fitted to your shed and are securely locked. Windows should also be fitted with locks

“All too often people become a victim of burglary because their home is left insecure, no alarm is fitted and windows and doors are left unlocked,” added Inspector Thomas. “Taking some simple precautions to protect yourself and your property against crime can not only make you feel safer, it can also reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime”.

Crime

Former Swansea Prison inmate died 48 hours after release

Published

3 hours ago

June 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FORMER Swansea Prison inmate died from combined drug toxicity just 48 hours after being released, an official investigation has found.

Jason Maynard, 43, left HMP Swansea on May 23, 2024. Two days later, he was pronounced dead by paramedics after being found unresponsive in the back of a friend’s car.

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman report says Mr Maynard had been given overdose-reversal medication before leaving custody and warned about the heightened risk of overdose after a period of reduced drug tolerance.

After his release, he attended his first probation appointment and was placed in temporary hotel accommodation by Swansea Council.

The following day, police were called after concerns were raised that Mr Maynard had a cut above his eye and appeared incoherent. He refused hospital treatment and was taken to his mother’s home.

The report says he later used drugs and drank alcohol with friends. He then fell asleep in a car outside an address, where he was later found unresponsive.

Mr Maynard had missed a substance misuse appointment on May 24 but attended the service the next day. Staff noted he had “blue around his mouth”, which caused concern about possible drug use.

The Ombudsman found that prison, probation and support services had taken appropriate steps before and after his release.

Its findings said Mr Maynard had received suitable substance misuse support, had been referred for accommodation, and had licence conditions in place covering drug and alcohol use, engagement with services and drug testing.

The report concluded that the necessary referrals and support arrangements had been made, but Mr Maynard died later the same day he attended the community substance misuse service.

Crime

Police appeal after reported rape at Young Farmers rally

Published

1 day ago

June 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an allegation of rape at a Young Farmers Club rally in Builth Wells.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident was reported to have taken place at Wernhalog Farm on Saturday, June 13.

Officers said it happened in the portaloo area sometime between 11:00pm and 11:45pm.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information which could help the investigation, is asked to contact police.

Reports can be made online through the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through the Crimestoppers website.

Quote reference: 26*472649.

Crime

Dock woman given mental health treatment order after supermarket thefts

Published

2 days ago

June 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has been placed on a mental health treatment requirement after repeatedly stealing meat, cheese and other grocery items from local supermarkets.

Lisa Stewart, 45, admitted three theft offences when she appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

The first offence took place on March 11, when Stewart stole Vanish, Lenor and three packs of Persil capsules from Home Bargains in Pembroke Dock, with a total value of £58.41.

The following month, she stole four small beef joints, four steaks and three blocks of cheese from Asda in Pembroke Dock, worth £55.68.

Seven days later, she stole four legs of lamb from Farmfoods in Pembroke Dock, valued at £99.96.

Stewart, of Truscott House, London Road, Pembroke Dock, also pleaded guilty to failing to surrender to police bail on or around May 26.

She was represented in court by solicitor Alaw Harries, who told magistrates the thefts involved items of relatively low value and were not the result of “sophisticated offending”.

“The defendant has had an exceptionally difficult time, as last year she lost her partner to cancer and has struggled profoundly to process that grief,” said Ms Harries.

“Instead, she has attempted to cope by taking more of her prescribed medication than she should. And this is what has led her to be here today.”

Ms Harries said Stewart is now motivated to address her issues.

Magistrates sentenced Stewart to an 18-month community order. She must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement.

The order will include monthly reviews in court.