TENBY: “Tenby has been let down” — councillors demand more police on streets as stabbing sparks fury over rising youth disorder

Elected councillors in Tenby have issued an angry call for more visible policing in the town after Tuesday night’s railway station stabbing — with one saying the town has “been let down” and another warning that many residents no longer feel safe in their own community.

Four teenagers aged between 13 and 17, all from the Pembroke area, were stabbed at Tenby railway station on Tuesday evening after serious disorder broke out involving a large group of youths. All four have since been discharged from hospital, with British Transport Police confirming their injuries are not considered life-threatening or life-changing.

A 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and both remain in police custody as the investigation continues.

Superintendent Jon Cooze of British Transport Police said the force had launched a thorough investigation and was keeping an open mind as to the background of what had happened. He thanked Dyfed-Powys Police colleagues for their quick actions at the scene and urged anyone who witnessed the incident or the events leading up to it to come forward.

“We understand the concern an incident of this nature will have caused in the community,” he said, “and while we believe it to be an isolated incident, passengers will notice an increased presence of officers in the area who are there to provide reassurance.”

He also asked the public not to share or speculate on footage circulating online while detectives concentrate on their investigation.

But the stabbing, serious as it is, has proved to be the breaking point in what councillors say has been a worsening pattern of youth disorder in the town — one they say police have repeatedly failed to address.

Reports on social media suggest trouble had been building throughout the day, with large numbers of youths gathering on North Beach. Earlier the same evening, Pembrokeshire County Council was forced to close the public toilets near the multi-storey car park after a gang of youths vandalised them.

One resident described the situation as having become “intolerable for weeks.” They said groups of up to 15 youths had been regularly causing havoc in the multi-storey car park, playing rugby in the road, climbing on bus shelters and screaming — and that police had been called several times without result. “There’s never an officer available in our area,” they said. “It’s not good enough.”

Another resident said hundreds of teenagers had been arriving in Tenby by train from across the county during recent days, vandalising toilets, stealing from local shops and abusing and attacking passers-by. “Transport for Wales and the police should be monitoring it,” they said. “With social media, AI and other systems, this behaviour should have been prevented before it escalated.”

Cllr Williams, county councillor for Tenby’s North ward, said the violence itself was not new — only the use of knives. He told the Tenby Observer he had emailed Dyfed-Powys Police about related concerns approximately three weeks ago and had not received a response. Officers are due to visit him at his home on Thursday, when he said he would be making “a very strong argument for a far more visible police presence in Tenby.”

“Tenby has been let down, despite an ever increasing precept being imposed upon us,” he said. “We have a right to feel safe in our community, and I know many that no longer do so.”

He noted that a CCTV monitoring system once operated from Tenby Police Station but that the station now appears to be closed. He said he would also be discussing the town’s needs with the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, county councillor for Tenby’s South ward, described the stabbings as a shock but said the wider problem of anti-social behaviour was well known. He pointed to Dyfed-Powys Police’s summer Operation Lion initiative — which brings additional officers into the town during the peak tourist season — and said he now believes it needs to be extended to other busy periods such as school holidays.

“We know that an increased police presence is an important part of keeping communities safe,” he said. “I will work with all parties to keep Tenby safe and encourage the police and PCC to do all that they can to ensure that this is a one-off incident.”

Tenby Town Council, speaking through Mayor Cllr Dai Morgan, said the behaviour seen this week does not reflect the town’s values or those of the overwhelming majority of its young people. The council called for more visible policing “particularly during busy periods, to provide reassurance to the community and to act as a deterrent to further incidents,” and said it would continue to work with police, Pembrokeshire County Council and partner agencies on longer-term solutions.

Henry Tufnell, MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, said he was deeply saddened by the events. “My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of those involved,” he said. “I know our community will be deeply shocked by these events, but we are all so grateful for the vital services of the emergency first responders on the scene.”

Samuel Kurtz MS, Senedd member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, called for zero tolerance on knife crime. “This kind of violence has no place in our communities and cannot be accepted under any circumstances,” he said. “Those responsible must face the full force of the law. We all deserve to feel safe where we live.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 916 of 07/04/26. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Police and Crime Commissioners to be abolished in England and Wales by 2028

The Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood branded the system a “failed experiment”, pointing to figures showing that fewer than one in five voters can name their commissioner.

There are currently 37 elected PCCs across England and Wales, a model introduced 12 years ago by former Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron. Under the reforms, when commissioners’ terms end in 2028, their responsibilities will transfer to elected mayors or council leaders.

“A dangerous accountability vacuum” warns South Wales PCC

South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Wools said she was disappointed by the announcement, warning that it risks weakening transparency at a time when public trust in policing is already under strain.

“Police and Crime Commissioners have provided a clear line of accountability and scrutiny. Removing that role without consultation risks creating a vacuum in oversight, just when communities need reassurance that policing is responsive and transparent,” she said.

Dyfed‑Powys commissioner says communities will lose their voice

Dyfed‑Powys PCC Dafydd Llywelyn also criticised the decision, describing it as unexpected and poorly handled.

“This announcement came without consultation and undermines the direct link between communities and policing. PCCs have worked hard to hold forces to account and to represent local priorities. Abolishing the role risks losing that connection,” he said.

Government insists reform will free up frontline funding

Policing Minister Sarah Jones told MPs the model had “failed to live up to expectations” and “not delivered what it was set up to achieve.” She argued that public understanding of PCCs’ role remained low despite efforts to raise their profile.

The Home Office said the savings would allow for an extra £20m of investment in frontline policing every year — enough to fund around 320 constables.

Divided response from policing bodies

While the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) voiced disappointment, the Police Federation of England and Wales welcomed the move, saying the money should be used to fund experienced officers.

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said the reforms could bring “stronger, more integrated local leadership” if implemented well.

What happens next for Wales

The current 37 PCCs will remain in post until 2028, when their responsibilities will transfer to elected mayors or council leaders. In Wales, the UK Government has said it will work with the Welsh Government to ensure arrangements reflect “the unique circumstances of Wales.”

#dafyddLlewellyn #dyfedPowysPolice #emmaWools #homeOffice #homeSecretary #policeAndCrimeCommissioner #shabanaMahmoodMp #southWalesPolice

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Oh, it's just a HoC recording. 🙁

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Ifan Charles named preferred candidate for Dyfed‑Powys Police Chief Constable

The decision follows a three‑day interview process at Police Headquarters, with the final choice now set to go before the Police and Crime Panel for confirmation on 7 October.

Recruitment process concludes

PCC Dafydd Llywelyn said the selection process had been “robust and transparent,” involving key stakeholders from across the force area.

“I am pleased to announce Temporary Chief Constable Ifan Charles as my preferred candidate for the role of our Chief Constable at Dyfed‑Powys Police,” he said.

“From the outset, it was vital to select a Chief Officer with the vision, determination, and resilience needed to lead our Police Service. Ifan performed exceptionally throughout the assessment process, demonstrating strong leadership and a deep understanding of policing.”

Career in Dyfed‑Powys Police

Ifan Charles joined Dyfed‑Powys Police in 2004 and has served in a variety of roles across CID and uniformed policing in all four counties. His career has included leading firearms incidents and managing serious crimes, with a focus on supporting victims.

In 2022, he completed the Senior Police National Assessment Centre and Strategic Command Course, before being appointed Assistant Chief Constable. He became Deputy Chief Constable in July 2024 and has been acting as Temporary Chief Constable since the resignation of Dr Richard Lewis earlier this year.

Looking ahead

PCC Llywelyn said: “Ifan has an outstanding track record in tackling crime and managing community policing. I very much look forward to working with him to ensure our communities remain safe and to develop a service that is effective today and ready for the challenges of the future.”

He also thanked staff, officers and partners who supported the recruitment process.

The appointment will now be considered by the Police and Crime Panel at a confirmation hearing on 7 October 2025.

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Thousands of shoplifting cases go unsolved in South Wales and Dyfed‑Powys as charge rates remain low

House of Commons Library data obtained by the Welsh Liberal Democrats shows that in 2024‑25, 6,734 shoplifting investigations in South Wales and 946 in Dyfed‑Powys were closed with no suspect identified. That’s the equivalent of more than 21 incidents a day going unsolved across the two force areas combined.

South Wales Police recorded a charge rate of 25.3%, while Dyfed‑Powys Police charged or summoned suspects in just 13.6% of cases. Across Wales, 13,077 shoplifting investigations were closed without a suspect — around 35 a day.

The Liberal Democrats say the figures highlight the scale of the problem and the impact on local businesses, warning that shoplifting is “not a victimless crime” and that staff are increasingly at risk from persistent offenders.

David Chadwick MP, Welsh Liberal Democrat for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, said:

“These shameful figures show the impact years of cuts to our police by the Conservatives had on society. This Labour government must now right these wrongs and crack down on shoplifting. Shoplifting is at epidemic levels in Wales now, with many business owners feeling like it has all but been decriminalised and many retail staff increasingly being put in harm’s way.”

Cllr Sam Bennett, the party’s Senedd candidate for Gwyr Abertawe (Swansea & Gower), added:

“Shoplifting is not a victimless crime; it does a huge amount of damage to our local businesses and those who work in them. It’s time for the government to scrap Police and Crime Commissioners and invest the money in frontline policing instead. That way we can get more bobbies on the beat and stop this lawlessness on our high streets.”

The party is calling for the role of Police and Crime Commissioners to be abolished, with the funds redirected to frontline policing.

Wider picture

Retail trade bodies have previously warned that rising shoplifting rates are linked to organised crime as well as opportunistic theft, and have called for tougher enforcement alongside better support for shop workers.

#DavidChadwickMP #DyfedPowysPolice #PoliceAndCrimeCommissioner #prosecution #SamBennett #shoplifting #SouthWalesPolice #WelshLiberalDemocrats

Undercover police disrupt street fight and safeguard vulnerable women in Haverfordwest

A major undercover policing operation in Haverfordwest has led to multiple arrests, the disruption of a street fight, and the safeguarding of vulnerable women — as Dyfed-Powys Police expands its Project Vigilant scheme across West Wales.

The operation took place on Saturday 2 August and involved plain-clothed and uniformed officers working in tandem to identify and disrupt potentially predatory or violent behaviour in the town’s nightlife hotspots.

Street fight and drug arrest

Officers responded to a large-scale disorder on Portfield Avenue, where several men were reported fighting in the street. One man was arrested for being drunk and disorderly, while others were dispersed by police teams.

Elsewhere, a driver was stopped for erratic behaviour and dealt with for driving without due care and attention. Another man was issued a Section 59 notice for antisocial driving on Quay Street — meaning his vehicle can be seized if he reoffends within 12 months.

The plain-clothed team also arrested a man for possession of a Class A drug after observing suspicious behaviour in the town centre.

Safeguarding vulnerable women

Officers engaged with door staff, street pastors and members of the public throughout the evening. Several potentially vulnerable women were identified and supported, including two 18-year-olds found in a secluded area with a group of men. Officers ensured their safety and provided safeguarding advice.

Detective Sergeant Vinny Barrett, Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “The aim of Vigilant is to ensure the safety of people primarily on a night out, and to prevent sexual or serious offences from taking place. Prevention is a hugely important part of policing, and by working in teams of officers who look out for and disrupt potential criminal behaviour we can really make a difference.”

Project Vigilant expands forcewide

Originally piloted in Carmarthenshire over Christmas, Project Vigilant is now being rolled out across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Powys. The initiative uses plain-clothed ‘spotters’ trained in behavioural observation to identify predatory behaviour, with uniformed officers stepping in to disrupt potential offences.

Chief Inspector Dominic Jones, Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “Everyone should feel safe on a night out, and nobody should feel the need to change their behaviour to avoid becoming a victim. By looking out for potential predators, we will ultimately be changing the behaviours of those who could cause harm and making our communities safer for all.”

The scheme is supported by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner under the Serious Violence Duty.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “This is a proactive and intelligence-led approach that puts officers in the right place at the right time to identify and disrupt predatory behaviour before harm is caused.”

Project Vigilant was first developed by Thames Valley Police and has since influenced national practice. Dyfed-Powys officers received specialist training in behavioural observation and risk management before deployment.

#DafyddLlewellyn #drugs #drunkAndDisorderly #DyfedPowysPolice #fighting #Haverfordwest #Pembrokeshire #PoliceAndCrimeCommissioner #PortfieldAvenue #ProjectVigilant #QuayStreet #streetFighting #undercoverPolice

Police to crush e-scooters and off-road bikes used anti-socially within 48 hours

Perpetrators of anti-social driving face having their cars, e-scooters or off-road bikes seized and destroyed after 48 hours under stronger powers proposed by the UK Government. Currently, police must wait 14 days before being able to dispose of a vehicle, making it easier for offenders to reclaim their vehicles and with a limited deterrent to repeat offending.

The measures to fast-track the disposal of vehicles comes alongside additional proposals to give police stronger powers to seize any vehicles involved in anti-social behaviour, with officers no longer required to issue a warning before seizing them.

Communities across Swansea have been plagued by people riding offroad bikes in an antisocial way.

Police say they have received an “increase in calls regarding off-road bikes in and around the Loughor and Pontarddulais areas in recent weeks”.

Just last week, Swansea Bay News reported photos taken by a local resident that showed five offroad motorbikes being driven through Loughor, with riders – some of which are wearing balaclavas rather than helmets – pulling wheelies and driving in a dangerous manner.

Residents say this is a “massive problem” and that offroad bikes “ride on pavements, footpaths, play areas and roads and have no regards for their own or others safety.”

Gower MP, Tonia Antoniazzi says she supports the UK Government’s crackdown.

Ms Antioniazzi said: “It’s sad that it’s come to this, but people have the right to feel safe in their streets. If off-road bikes and scooters are being deliberately driven in residential roads to cause a nuisance and intimidate people tough action is needed. I welcome what the government is doing to support the police to tackle antisocial behaviour and prevent reoffending”

South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Wools said: “These new powers send a clear message to would-be offenders and local communities in Wales: swift justice will be delivered and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Sales of e-scooters and off-road bikes have rapidly increased, so today is an important step in tackling more serious crime in Wales, with the vehicles often used to facilitate drug dealing, organised acquisitive crime and serious violence.”

#antisocialBehaviour #Loughor #offRoadBikes #PoliceAndCrimeCommissioner #SouthWalesPolice #ToniaAntoniazziMP #UKGovernment

'A #PoliceAndCrimeCommissioner has been criticised for saying “protest groups” in the wake of the #Southport stabbings are focused on “the desire to protect Britain’s sovereignty, the need to uphold British values and in order to do this stop illegal #immigration”.

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