LLANELLI: Police crack down on North Dock anti-social behaviour hotspot as spring season begins

Police are stepping up patrols at Llanelli’s North Dock waterfront this spring after the area established itself as an annual anti-social behaviour hotspot — with officers warning they will take “robust action” against those who spoil it for others.

Dyfed-Powys Police say reports of problems at North Dock increase every year as the weather improves and more people are drawn to the popular waterfront location. Complaints received by the force include reckless and dangerous driving, items being thrown at other vehicles, excessively loud music and persistent horn beeping.

The force’s local neighbourhood policing and prevention teams will carry out additional patrols throughout the spring and summer, working alongside Carmarthenshire County Council and local businesses to address the problem.

The scale of last year’s operation gives a sense of what officers are prepared to deploy. During a proactive crackdown in March 2025, the force issued 18 vehicle prohibitions, 18 traffic offence reports, seized two vehicles, issued Section 59 warning notices for anti-social driving, made two arrests for drug driving and handed out two out-of-court disposals for drug offences — all in a single operation.

Inspector Thomas Coppock, of Carmarthenshire Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention, said the force wanted people to enjoy the area but would not tolerate behaviour that ruined it for others.

Inspector Thomas Coppock from Dyfed-Powys Police said:

“Each year as the weather improves, people will naturally want to get outside and enjoy the sun by going to areas like North Dock in Llanelli. First and foremost, we want all members of our community to enjoy spending time outside together in one of the many beautiful locations across our police force.

“However, sadly North Dock has become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour, including reckless driving, at this time of year. Unfortunately the acts of a small minority can affect the enjoyment of the majority when this behaviour occurs.

“We will be present to hear any of your concerns, as well as proactively looking to engage with the local community with officers on patrol. We aim to provide a reassuring presence for people to feel safe, while also proactively disrupting crime and acting as a deterrent.

“If necessary, we will be ready to take robust action by using the powers available to us as police, and working closely with partner agencies.”

Officers are encouraging anyone who experiences or witnesses anti-social behaviour at North Dock to report it directly to Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

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Haverfordwest alert: Police probe report of attempted child abduction near Primary School

Dyfed Powys Police say the incident happened at around 3.55pm on Tuesday, March 24, on Scarrowscant Lane near Furzy Park in Haverfordwest.

A 12-year-old girl was walking alone close to Waldo Williams CP School, when she was approached by two men in a car.

Officers say the passenger got out of the vehicle, spoke to the child and then placed his hands on her arm.

He then let go and returned to the car, which drove off towards Furzy Park.

Thankfully, the girl was not injured and was able to get home safely, where she told her parents what had happened.

Police say they were quickly alerted and enquiries have been ongoing since.

Dyfed Powys Police have released a statement following the incident urging the public to get in touch if they have more information.

“We are appealing for witnesses to a reported incident of attempted abduction in Haverfordwest.

“At approx. 3.55pm on Tuesday March 24, a 12-year-old child, who was walking along Scarrowscant Lane, near to Furzy Park, was approached by two males in a vehicle.

“The passenger of the car is reported to have exited the vehicle and spoken to the child and then placed his hands on her arm. He then let go and returned to the vehicle, which was driven off in the direction of Furzy Park.

“The child did not sustain any injuries, and returned home and informed their parents, who alerted police.

“The driver did not exit the car at any point. The vehicle involved is described to be similar to an Audi A4, in a shiny blue colour.”

Police say the man who got out of the car is described as white, around 5ft 11in tall, with short dark brown hair and a brown beard, and believed to be in his 40s.

He was dressed in a black t-shirt, black jogging bottoms and white trainers.

There is currently no description available of the driver.

The police spokesperson added:

“Local officers have been carrying out a number of enquiries since this matter was reported and are now appealing for anyone who may have information that could assist our investigation.

“Anyone with information about the incident, or who might have dashcam footage of the vehicle, is asked to get in touch.”

Police say enquiries are ongoing as they work to identify those involved and establish exactly what happened.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

#attemptedChildAbduction #DyfedPowysPolice #FurzyPark #Haverfordwest #ScarrowscantLane #WaldoWilliamsCPSchool

LLANPUMSAINT: Delivery driver who killed dad and fled scene jailed

Daniel Douglas Wyke, 28, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court to four-and-a-half years in prison after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.

The court heard how Wyke struck Aaron Jones, 38, as he walked his dog through the village on the evening of December 23, 2024.

Wyke was travelling at 34mph — 14mph over the speed limit — when he hit Mr Jones.

Instead of stopping, he fled the scene in his damaged vehicle.

Mr Jones, a father of two, died as a result of his injuries.

The case follows earlier proceedings where the driver admitted responsibility, after initially being charged more than a year after the fatal collision in Llanpumsaint.

In court, the judge condemned Wyke’s actions in stark terms.

He said the driver had been “more intent on saving his own skin” than helping the man he had struck.

Describing the aftermath, the judge added: “Those close to Mr Jones were frantically searching for him. The anguish they were feeling at the time was simply unimaginable.”

Paying tribute, Mr Jones’ family described him as “a remarkable, strong, caring and brilliant man who always led by the best example”.

They thanked police for their work in securing justice, and praised the support they had received from loved ones and charities as they try to rebuild their lives.

The judge told Wyke his actions had devastating consequences.

“Your dangerous driving cost the life of a well-loved father of two children, an adored husband and son, and a man who was a good friend to so many,” he said.

As well as his prison sentence, Wyke has been banned from driving for eight years and two months.

Sergeant Nicholas Brookes, from Dyfed-Powys Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said the death had left a lasting impact.

“This was a tragic incident that has left a family grieving a dad, husband and son, whose absence is felt as strongly now as 15 months ago,” he said.

He added that the crash — and its consequences — were “entirely avoidable”.

Police said their investigation had been “lengthy and detailed”, with the victim’s family at the heart of their work throughout.

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SWANSEA ABUSE HORROR: Man jailed after decade of child sexual offences

Nicholas Alexander Llewellyn Adams, 54, from Rhondda Street, was convicted of 10 non-recent child sex offences following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court.

The court heard the abuse began when the child was under the age of 10 and continued over a number of years.

What started as physical assaults escalated into repeated sexual abuse, leaving the victim with both physical injuries and deep psychological damage.

The survivor was threatened into silence — and when they did try to speak out, they were not believed.

That failure meant the abuse continued unchecked.

As an adult, the victim has been left dealing with the lasting impact of what happened, including serious mental health struggles.

The court heard they turned to harmful coping mechanisms and at one stage even contemplated taking their own life as the trauma followed them into adulthood.

In a powerful victim impact statement, they said:
“I will never know how different my life could have been if I hadn’t been subjected to the horrific abuse I had to deal with as a child.”

They added that they had lived for years in fear after being warned not to tell anyone, and described attending court as the final step in closing “this horrendous chapter”.

Adams denied the offences but was found guilty by a jury.

Jurors heard that while some of the offences dated back to when he was younger, the impact on the victim has been lifelong.

Sentencing, Judge Hywel James said the abuse had a “severe impact” on the survivor, who had been pressured into silence and left to cope alone.

Adams was jailed for nine years and six months.

He was also made subject to a 10-year restraining order preventing contact with the victim and must comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Christine Beaton said the survivor had shown “immense courage” in coming forward after so many years.

She added: “Crimes of this nature are truly horrible, and I hope this result can help the survivor move forward.”

Police are urging anyone affected by sexual abuse to seek support and report offences when they feel able.

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Watchdog called in after armed police fire gun ‘not aimed at any individual’ in Milford Haven

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed a single shot was fired on Saturday evening (March 28) following a call about disorder in the Bunkers Hill area of Milford Haven.

Officers were called to the scene at around 5.45pm after concerns were raised about an individual allegedly in possession of a knife.

Firearms officers were among those deployed as police moved to contain the situation.

A police spokesperson said that during the incident, at approximately 6.32pm, an officer discharged a single shot.

Dyfed Powys Police have stressed that the firearm was not aimed at any individual, and no injuries were reported.

The force say that a police presence remained in the area into the following day as enquiries continued.

The incident has now been referred to the watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which will decide whether to launch an independent investigation.

Deputy Chief Constable Gary Phillips said an investigation is already underway.

He said:

“We have initiated a prompt investigation into the circumstances that led to the firearms being discharged, and have referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

“We will work with them as we continue to establish the circumstances leading up to the discharge.”

Police have not released further details about the individual involved in the reported disorder.

It is also not yet clear what led to the decision to discharge the weapon, although officers had been responding to reports involving a knife.

Incidents involving the discharge of police firearms are rare in Wales and are subject to strict oversight.

The watchdog will now assess the circumstances and determine the next steps in the investigation.

Dyfed Powys Police say that residents in the area may continue to see an increased police presence while enquiries are ongoing.

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Predator jailed for 21 years after ‘abhorrent’ attacks on woman and children

Talha Ahmadzai, 33, who had been living in Haverfordwest after arriving in the UK from Afghanistan, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (March 16) after admitting a string of serious crimes committed in February last year.

The offences involved three victims — a woman, a young girl and a boy.

Ahmadzai pleaded guilty to multiple charges including three counts of rape, rape of a child under 13, attempted rape of a child under 13, causing a child to watch a sexual act, assault by beating and cruelty to a person under 16.

He was handed an extended sentence totalling 21 years and seven months, including 19 years and seven months in custody followed by a further two years on licence.

The court heard he must serve at least two-thirds of his prison term before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board.

An indefinite restraining order was also imposed, banning him from ever contacting his victims again.

‘Catalogue of abhorrent offending’

Sentencing, Judge Huw Rees described Ahmadzai’s crimes as a “catalogue of abhorrent offending of the utmost seriousness”.

Prosecutors told the court the attacks came to light after the adult victim reported what had happened, prompting a police investigation.

During interviews, Ahmadzai initially denied the allegations and claimed the sex had been consensual.

But the court heard he later made deeply troubling remarks to officers, reportedly stating that “women won’t have sex without force”.

He also questioned the authority of UK courts, suggesting the acts he had committed “were not offences” in his home country.

‘Sexually preoccupied’ and high risk

The court heard Ahmadzai had been “sexually preoccupied for a long time” and held “entrenched views”, with a pre-sentence report concluding he poses a high risk to the public.

Evidence presented suggested he had previously suffered serious mental health issues and had been hospitalised before the offences, with his defence saying his behaviour followed a psychotic episode.

Defence barrister David Singh told the court his client had no previous convictions and had since received treatment.

However, Judge Rees said there was effectively no mitigation for the seriousness of the crimes.

Police praise victims’ bravery

Detective Inspector Sarah Totterdale, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said the sentence reflected the severity of Ahmadzai’s actions.

She said: “Ahmadzai is clearly an incredibly dangerous and cruel individual, and the sentence he has received reflects this.

“I would like to commend the bravery and dignity shown by his victims, who courageously gave their evidence of their horrendous ordeals.

“To do so and relive their experience must have been incredibly traumatic.”

She added that thanks to the victims’ evidence and the work of detectives, Ahmadzai is now “no longer a danger to the public”.

Deportation to be considered

The court heard Ahmadzai may face deportation once he has served his sentence.

Judge Rees said the case would be referred to the Home Office to consider his removal from the UK.

Dyfed-Powys Police said support is available for anyone affected by sexual violence and urged victims to come forward and report offences.

#ChildAbuse #DyfedPowysPolice #DyfedPowysPolice #Haverfordwest #rape #sexualAbuse #sexualAssault #SwanseaCrownCourt

INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED: Concerns raised over treatment of dogs at Welsh rescue charity

Inspectors from Animal Licensing Wales visited the Many Tears Animal Rescue centre in Cefneithin, Carmarthenshire, on Tuesday, March 10.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police were also present during the visit.

The inspection follows allegations from several people who previously adopted animals from the rescue, as well as claims from a former employee.

Animal Licensing Wales confirmed that enquiries are now ongoing.

Allegations over puppies and medical records

Some of the allegations relate to claims that puppies brought to Fishguard from Irish breeding farms were then transported to the rescue centre to be rehomed.

Other concerns reportedly include claims that vaccinations were not properly refrigerated, puppies were transported together during journeys to the centre, and that vaccination cards were being produced in large numbers.

Further allegations suggest some dogs may have been rehomed with undisclosed health issues, with questions raised over medical records and the checks carried out before animals were adopted.

It is understood that no animals have been removed from the premises and the rescue continues to operate while the investigation is carried out.

Rescue charity responds

Many Tears Animal Rescue said officials visited the site to collect paperwork and records.

A spokesperson said:

“Representatives of Animal Licensing Wales visited the rescue to retrieve paperwork and records.

“No animals were removed from the premises during the visit and no concerns were raised about the condition or care of the animals on site.”

The charity said it was proud of the standards of care provided by staff.

“We are proud of the exceptional care our kennel staff provide, and our facilities ensure that our animals have enrichment and rehabilitation activities so that they thrive in our care,” the spokesperson said.

“We are working closely with the authorities to ensure they have everything they need to complete the investigation process.”

Transport of animals defended

Responding to concerns about puppies being transported from Ireland, the charity said it regularly rescues animals from breeding establishments to give them a chance of being rehomed.

A spokesperson said:

“Many Tears rescues and rehomes from several large breeding establishments, some of which are in Ireland, to offer ex-breeding dogs the chance to have a loving forever home.

“We also take some unsold puppies who have reached an age where they are no longer desirable to the public.”

The organisation said its vehicles are licensed for transporting animals and that puppies are kept separately from adult dogs during journeys.

Investigation continues

Animal Licensing Wales, which was set up by the Welsh Government to regulate animal activities and tackle illegal breeding, said it could not comment further while the investigation remains ongoing.

Officials are expected to review records and documentation as part of their enquiries.

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DYFED-POWYS: Police boost patrols to crackdown on rural crime

The force, covering the largest rural police area in England and Wales, aims to increase officer visibility and engagement, seeking to disrupt criminal activity.

This new approach will see rural crime officers boosting patrols and building stronger relationships with local communities, according to the police.

They will also be offering more crime prevention visits and engaging with residents at local events, building on previous rural crime team patrols designed to protect vulnerable areas.

Inspector Matthew Howells of Dyfed-Powys Police highlighted the issue of under-reported rural crime.

“Rural crime can often go unreported. We want to have a stronger presence, and expand both Farm and Rural Watch, to increase reporting,” Inspector Howells stated.

He added that this increased reporting would provide crucial data to shape patrols and disrupt criminal activity.

Officers will also be promoting property marking and security measures to help residents protect their assets and avoid becoming a victim of vehicle theft.

“We want to reduce repeat victimisation and disrupt criminal activity,” Inspector Howells confirmed.

In 2025, Dyfed-Powys Police recorded 49 reports of livestock theft, a significant concern for farmers.

There were also 42 reports of quad bike theft, a common target for rural criminals.

Heritage crimes, which harm historic sites through activities like illegal metal detecting or off-roading, accounted for 60 reports.

However, the most frequently reported crime was livestock worrying, with 60 incidents recorded throughout 2025.

Chief Constable Ifan Charles recently met with members of the farming community to discuss the new strategy.

He was joined by Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn and the rural crime team at a farm belonging to Anwen Hughes, regional vice-president of the Farmers’ Union of Wales.

The meeting also addressed updates to livestock worrying laws, a topic of great importance to the farming community.

Anwen Hughes shared her recent experience of losing three lambs due to a livestock attack, underscoring the devastating impact of such incidents.

Chief Constable Ifan Charles emphasised the profound effect these crimes have on rural communities.

“The impact these crimes have on rural communities can’t be underestimated. People’s livelihoods and homes are intertwined,” Chief Constable Charles said.

He stressed that the new strategy prioritises the needs of rural residents.

“The new strategy puts people in the rural communities at its heart,” he added.

Protecting vast rural areas presents unique challenges compared to urban environments, the Chief Constable noted.

“Our rural crime teams will work with people to understand the challenges and keep them safe,” Chief Constable Charles concluded.

Residents are being urged to report rural, wildlife, and heritage crime by calling 101 or using the online reporting tool on the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

#chiefConstableIfanCharles #DyfedPowysPolice #DyfedPowysPolice #heritageCrime #inspectorMatthewHowells #livestockTheft #livestockWorrying #quadBikeTheft #ruralCrime #wildlifeCrime

A48 BIKER ATTACK: Police appeal after eight Harley Davidson riders allegedly assault man in lay-by

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 2:30pm on Saturday, March 7, in a lay-by on the A48 westbound at the Llanddarog junction, just before the turn-off for Nantycaws.

Officers are investigating reports that a man was assaulted by eight men who had parked their Harley Davidson motorcycles in the lay-by.

The victim sustained what police have described as “moderate injuries” in the alleged attack.

His car was also damaged during the incident.

Ammanford and Cross Hands officers are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have private CCTV or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the alleged attack.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Local officers are investigating an alleged assault that occurred on the A48 Westbound Llanddarog junction, before Nantycaws turnoff, at around 14:30pm on Saturday 7th March.

“The incident was reported to involve 8 men with parked Harley Davidson bikes in a lay-by, assaulting a man with a car.

“The victim sustained moderate injuries, and damage to their vehicle.”

Police have asked anyone with information that could help the investigation to contact them.

#A48 #assault #biker #Carmarthenshire #Crime #DyfedPowysPolice #DyfedPowysPolice #HarleyDavidson #Llanddarog #motorbike #Nantycaws #policeAppeal

ARREST MADE: Teenager held over Ysgol Maesydderwen threats that sparked school shutdown

Dyfed Powys Police confirmed that the teenager, from Pontardawe, was taken into police custody on suspicion of sending digital communications conveying threats of death or serious harm, with the intent to cause fear.

His arrest follows an intense investigation by Dyfed Powys Police into the alarming messages that led to the Ystradgynlais school being shut down on February 27 and 28, according to the force.

The threats had a “profound impact” on pupils, parents, and staff, causing widespread disruption and anxiety, Dyfed Powys Police stated.

Powys Superintendent Gareth Grant extended his gratitude to the community for their support and patience during the challenging period.

“I’d firstly like to thank the parents, teachers, staff and the wider community, for the support and patience you have shown whilst we have carried out our enquiries in relation to this incident,” Superintendent Grant said.

He acknowledged the severe emotional toll the incident had taken, stating: “I understand this will have had a profound impact.”

Superintendent Grant also moved to reassure residents, confirming that Neighbourhood officers would maintain a visible presence in the area.

“Our Neighbourhood officers will maintain a local presence for reassurance, and we will continue to work with our local secondary schools, and partners, to ensure our local community are supported,” he added.

The school had previously been forced to close for a second day after a fresh threat emerged just hours after the initial incident.

Parents and guardians had been left scrambling for childcare arrangements as the school remained shut, with many expressing their concern over the safety of their children.

The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation, and Dyfed Powys Police expressed hope it would bring a sense of relief to the worried community.

Dyfed Powys Police have urged anyone with further information to contact them on 101, reiterating their commitment to supporting the community.

#arrest #CommunitySafety #DyfedPowysPolice #education #featured #Pontardawe #SchoolThreats #YsgolMaesydderwen #Ystradgynlais