MAESTEG MEAT THIEF: Serial shoplifter jailed and banned from town’s stores after six raids in six weeks

A Maesteg woman has been jailed after admitting six thefts from two of the town’s shops — walking away with meat, alcohol and coffee during a brazen spree that spanned just six weeks.

Samantha Jones, 41, was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Monday, March 30, 2026, after pleading guilty to all six counts of theft.

The offences took place between February and March 2026, with Jones targeting two stores in the Maesteg area in a run of raids that left local businesses counting the cost.

Four of the thefts were carried out at Asda on Castle Street in Maesteg, where Jones made off with meat and spirits worth a combined total of around £300.

The remaining two were carried out at Filco Stores on Hermon Road in Caerau, where she stole coffee and meat valued at approximately £80.

In total, Jones stole goods worth more than £380 across the six incidents.

The case was investigated by South Wales Police‘s Maesteg neighbourhood policing team, who built the case that led to Jones’s guilty pleas and sentencing.

As well as the custodial sentence, Jones has been made subject of a Criminal Behaviour Order — commonly known as a CBO — lasting two years.

The order places strict restrictions on where she is permitted to go once released. Jones is banned from entering any retail premises on Talbot Street and Commercial Street in Maesteg, as well as Asda on Castle Street, B&M Bargains on Llynfi Road and Filco Stores on Hermon Road in Caerau.

The conditions are designed to prevent Jones from returning to the areas and premises where she offended, offering some reassurance to local businesses that were targeted during the spree.

Maesteg Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Danielle Burton welcomed the outcome, saying the case demonstrated what the team could achieve for local traders.

“This was a thorough and in-depth investigation run by our neighbourhood policing teams,” she said. “Businesses in our community deserve to be able to trade without worrying about theft.”

Sgt Burton added that the consequences for Jones would continue well beyond her release date.

“Not only will Jones now serve a short sentence, but she will also be under conditions from the CBO when she is released from jail,” she said.

Shoplifting has become a growing concern for retailers across the region. South Wales Police have repeatedly urged businesses to report theft offences rather than writing them off, insisting that neighbourhood policing teams can and do take action — as this case demonstrates.

The CBO conditions mean that Jones faces further legal consequences if she is found in any of the banned locations after her release.

It is not the first time Bridgend County courts have dealt with repeat offending of this kind. Across the wider area, neighbourhood teams have increasingly turned to CBOs as a tool to protect businesses after shorter sentences fail to deter persistent offenders.

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Uplands man jailed just two days after car theft

A Swansea man has been sentenced to 12 weeks in prison just two days after being arrested for breaking into a car and stealing items.

Darren Williams, 54, from Uplands, targeted a vehicle on a lane off Walter Road on March 23, according to South Wales Police. CCTV footage shows him smashing the front passenger window before returning an hour later to attempt another break-in.

Officers were able to match Williams to the CCTV images, arresting him shortly afterwards. Police say he was found in possession of items taken from the vehicle.

Williams pleaded guilty to theft from a motor vehicle and criminal damage to property at Swansea Magistrates’ Court.

PC Luke Morgan, speaking on behalf of South Wales Police, said the case demonstrated the force’s “zero-tolerance approach to thefts from motor vehicles.”

He added that thieves like Williams make “the good, law-abiding people of Swansea fearful that their vehicle could be targeted at any time.”

The speed of the arrest and sentencing has been described as unusually quick. Police released CCTV and bodycam footage of both the theft and the arrest, showing Williams’ brazen behaviour:

https://youtu.be/BF1YPdJaYBY?si=cbxbS2bvAGV49hdG

Residents in Uplands have been reminded to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour, particularly around parked cars. Police also encourage the community to use security measures such as alarms and steering locks to prevent theft.

This is not the first case of quick sentencing in the Swansea area; police say they have increasingly been cracking down on opportunistic thefts, aiming to deter repeat offenders.

The incident has sparked discussion among local residents about car security and the need for stronger community awareness. Some have praised the rapid response, noting that catching thieves quickly can help restore confidence in neighbourhood safety.

Police say Williams’ sentencing highlights how law enforcement in Swansea are acting swiftly against crimes that threaten the local community. Officers say the case serves as a warning that theft from vehicles will be pursued promptly and rigorously.

CCTV and bodycam footage from the arrest is being used to help educate the public about vehicle crime and the importance of reporting suspicious activity.

DYFATTY CRIME CRACKDOWN: Major police operation targets Swansea hotspot

The Dyfatty Clear Hold Build project is now underway, targeting long-standing issues linked to serious organised crime, anti-social behaviour and community safety concerns in the area around High Street North and nearby tower blocks.

Led by South Wales Police alongside the city council and other agencies, the operation is being described as a “long overdue” intervention for residents.

‘Long overdue’ action

Chief Superintendent Stephen Jones said the first phase will focus on removing criminal influence and protecting vulnerable people.

He said many residents have been forced to live with the impact of organised crime for years — despite having no connection to it themselves.

“This work is long overdue for the people who live in Dyfatty,” he said.

Three-phase plan to transform the area

The scheme follows the national Clear Hold Build model — a strategy backed by the Home Office.

• Clear phase: A year-long police-led crackdown targeting offenders and disrupting criminal networks
• Hold phase: Stabilising the area and preventing gangs from returning
• Build phase: Long-term investment to tackle the root causes of crime

Officials say the aim is not just arrests — but lasting change.

Millions pledged to ‘transform’ Dyfatty

Council leader Rob Stewart said the project will work alongside a separate regeneration programme expected to bring up to £20 million into the area over the next decade.

He said the combined efforts would help “clean up and stabilise” Dyfatty while supporting long-term improvements.

The initiative is being coordinated through the Swansea Public Services Board, which includes partners such as Swansea Bay University Health Board and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Community at the heart of the plan

Chair of the board, Andrea Harrington, said the project would focus on listening to residents and working with local communities to deliver change.

She described Dyfatty as a diverse area facing a range of challenges — but said partners were committed to creating a safer, stronger neighbourhood.

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Llanelli tragedy: Family’s plea after police officer’s harbour death sparks safety review

Rehaan Akhtar, 28, from Llanelli, was found in the water at Bristol Harbour in November last year after becoming separated from friends on a night out.

Now, his family have spoken out in a moving interview, describing him as a “big-hearted, loving guy” — and calling for urgent safety improvements to prevent further tragedy.

“A genuinely lovely, loving boy”

His sister, Meena Najmi, said the loss has devastated the family.

She described her brother as someone who “would do anything to help anyone” and revealed he had been looking forward to a new chapter in life.

Rehaan had been planning to move into a new home with his partner — and the couple were due to marry in January.

Final moments ‘devastating’

The family have seen CCTV footage of his final moments and believe he fell from a boat jetty into the water.

Najmi said the moment was “devastating” — and believes more could be done to make the area safer.

She is now urging authorities to consider barriers, better lighting and improved access points to help people escape the water if they fall in.

“If the railings were moved closer to the water’s edge, I think that would be a lot safer,” she said.

“They definitely need more lighting and steps so if someone falls in, there’s a way to get out.”

Safety review underway

The tragedy – along with other incidents – has prompted a safety review at Bristol City Council.

Councillors say they are now examining what changes can be made in what remains a busy, working harbour.

This includes looking at the number and placement of ladders, lighting levels and whether additional safety measures – including barriers – are needed.

Officials say any changes will need to balance safety with the harbour’s day-to-day operations.

Inquest to come

As previously reported by Swansea Bay News, an inquest into Rehaan’s death has already been opened, with a full hearing due to take place.

His death has sent shockwaves through the local community in Llanelli — and his family now hope speaking out will help prevent others suffering the same loss.

“We just want change”

For Rehaan’s loved ones, the focus is now firmly on making sure lessons are learned.

Their message is simple — no family should have to endure the same heartbreak.

And with a safety review now underway, they are hoping action will follow.

Car plunges into Neath canal as rescuers wade in to save trapped pair

Emergency crews raced to Riverside Drive at 10.48am, where they found a silver vehicle partially submerged in the water with two casualties still inside.

Photos from the scene show the car nose‑down in the canal, doors flung open, as police, firefighters and paramedics lined the roadside.

Firefighters from Swansea Central, Neath and Pontardawe scrambled into the water, deploying a specialist wading team to reach the trapped occupants. Both casualties were pulled from the vehicle and handed to ambulance crews for assessment.

The incident drew a large emergency response, with multiple fire engines, police units and paramedics attending.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews left the scene at 11.18am, around half an hour after the first 999 call.

The condition of the two people rescued has not yet been released.

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FIREBUG TEENS SENTENCED after Bridgend arson attack caught on CCTV

Ellis Lloyd, 19, from Cefn Cribwr, and Taran Mills, 18, from North Cornelly, were sentenced today (March 17) at Cardiff Crown Court.

Lloyd was jailed for 34 months in a young offender institution, while Mills received a 24-month sentence suspended for two years.

Both had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of arson.

Car deliberately targeted

The court heard the incident happened in Brackla, Bridgend, in December 2025.

Emergency services were called after two cars were found on fire in a residential area.

CCTV footage later showed a Nissan Pixo circling the estate before the pair got out and approached an Audi Q5 parked on a driveway.

Hammer and petrol used

One of the teenagers was carrying a hammer, while the other had a jerry can.

They smashed the rear window of the vehicle before pouring in accelerant and setting it alight.

The fire quickly spread to a neighbouring car.

In a dramatic moment caught on CCTV, one of the pair was seen fleeing the scene after his coat also caught fire.

Police: “Senseless actions”

Detective Constable Sarah Jenkins, of South Wales Police, said the attack could have had far more serious consequences.

“The senseless actions of Lloyd and Mills could have got somebody seriously injured, and they will have known this when they were committing the offence,” she said.

“I hope their sentences give them the time they need to reflect on their actions.”

CCTV helped secure convictions

Officers were able to identify the pair through CCTV footage captured in the moments leading up to the fire.

Both defendants later admitted the offences and were sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court.

JAILED: Llanelli man who ignored victim’s pleas during flat attack sentenced to six years

Jason Bailey, now of Llanelli but formerly of Porthcawl, was sentenced today (March 17) at Cardiff Crown Court.

He had been found guilty of rape and assault following a trial relating to an incident on August 28, 2023.

Victim repeatedly said “no”

The court heard Bailey had previously approached the woman asking for “no strings fun”, which she rejected.

During the attack at the flat, the victim repeatedly told him “no” as he approached her.

Bailey ignored her refusals, pinned her down and carried out the assault.

Afterwards, he told her: “Between us, yeah?”

The victim later told friends, who contacted police.

Lasting impact on victim

In a victim personal statement, the woman described the impact the attack has had on her life.

She said she struggled to get out of bed, experienced flashbacks and developed anxiety and depression.

“I felt so angry at myself and blamed myself,” she said.

“I thought I could fight back but have struggled to come to terms with my reaction.”

Police praise victim’s bravery

Detective Constable Ashley Colston, of South Wales Police, said: “Jason Bailey was under no illusion that the acts he carried out were illegal, yet he did so anyway.

“Bailey exploited a power imbalance and thrived off it.

“We commend the bravery of the victim who came forward and helped secure this conviction.”

Court: “You did not take no for an answer”

Sentencing, the judge described the offence as an “opportunistic” sexual attack.

“You took the opportunity to force yourself upon her and did not take no for an answer,” the court heard.

Bailey was also made subject to an indefinite restraining order and will remain on the sex offenders register for life.

The court heard Bailey had no previous convictions, although he had received a caution in the past. Mitigation referenced personal and family difficulties, but the court said the seriousness of the offence required an immediate custodial sentence.

Police force closure of two Cardiff schools

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Morriston man jailed after police uncover thousands of child abuse images

Kyle Jones, 42, was first flagged to officers when a Kik messaging account linked to him uploaded Category A child abuse videos online in 2023. He denied everything in interview — but the evidence told a very different story.

A joint investigation by South Wales Police’s Online Investigation Team and the Digital Forensics Unit traced the material back to devices belonging to Jones. What they found was vast and serious: thousands of images and videos, including a large number in the most extreme category.

Jones eventually admitted a string of offences. He had been making and distributing indecent images of children, as well as possessing prohibited images and extreme material involving animals.

He has now been jailed for 28 months.

Detective Constable Thomas Connick said Jones “knew exactly what he was doing” and that his actions had caused “immense distress” to his family and community.

“Offences involving these images are not victimless,” he said. “People who access them create a demand that can only be met by the further abuse of vulnerable individuals. South Wales Police will continue to target anyone who enables or encourages this.”