Latest news with #DyfedPowysPolice
BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Abercych police detonate WW2 hand grenade found by boys fishing
A live World War Two-era hand grenade had to be detonated after being found by two boys out fishing at a discovery of the Mills bomb was made in Abercych, Pembrokeshire, on 13 July."The device was found to be live and in a dangerous condition which necessitated it being detonated at scene by controlled explosion," Dyed-Powys Police force said the boys "did the right thing" by calling emergency services, urging anyone who finds anything suspicious not to handle it and to contact emergency services. The Mills Bomb is a classic pineapple-shaped hand grenade with a pull-pin and lever, first developed by Sir William Mills during World War One. Later improved versions were used extensively during World War Two, and they remained in service for many decades after.
Powys County Times
4 days ago
- Powys County Times
'Dangerous' Powys XL Bully dog Bruce will be destroyed
A DANGEROUS dog will be destroyed after a court heard he had been 'weaponised' by his owner. Bruce, a four-year-old XL Bully type dog, was ordered to be put down by magistrates sitting in Llandrindod Wells this week, due to being 'very dangerous'. In cases of this type, Dyfed Powys Police usually applies for a contingent destruction order – meaning the threat of destruction hangs over the owner if they cannot keep their dog under proper control. However, Nia Jones, prosecuting the case on behalf of the force, said there were 'real concerns' about Bruce, who she said had been 'weaponised' by owner Chelsea Young. Young, 28, argued that Bruce 'doesn't deserve to die' and that the only reason she is alive today is because he came to her rescue in January this year when she got into an argument with an ex-boyfriend. 'We are applying for a destruction order for the dog, which we don't usually do,' Ms Jones told magistrates in the spa town on Tuesday, July 15. 'We would normally ask for a contingent destruction order. But this dog is very dangerous, is out of control and the respondent is not a responsible dog owner.' Ms Jones said Bruce was seized by authorities in January following an attack on a male at Young's Pen-y-Bryn home in Ystradgynlais, with two previous incidents reported in December last year. 'Police don't feel there's any other option,' added Ms Jones. 'There have been three recent incidents. On January 27 a victim, an ex-partner, alleged she (Young) set the dog on him. 'An argument began and she called Bruce, he ran towards the victim, summonsed by her; he panicked and tried to leave. 'The dog bit viciously at his legs and was trying to jump and bite his neck area. The victim went to hospital with leg injuries and was referred to a specialist plastic surgeon. 'The victim said Chelsea Young is a crack cocaine user, who leads a chaotic lifestyle, fuelled by drugs and criminality. 'He told police that something needs to be done (about Bruce) before someone is killed. She weaponises the dog.' Ms Jones said that Young had another dog, called Ruby, with the victim claiming she uses the dogs to intimidate people. Ms Jones said two separate incidents occurred over the Christmas period, one involving the same former partner and another involving another ex of Young's. 'It's bitten so many people, but people are scared to report it,' said one victim. One victim visited hospital due to a dog bite to his right thigh, which 'pierced the skin several times'. 'Her unwillingness to control Bruce is evident,' added Ms Jones. 'A contingent order is not suitable as he's not suitable to be rehomed. His true nature is that he is likely to attack again in the future. 'The dog has been examined and there are real concerns, especially including his height; he's very large and powerful." Representing herself at the hearing, Young said: 'The dog was protecting me. If he wasn't there I wouldn't be here today. 'He's never bit anyone else. He would pass any assessment. He's very well cared for. I can look after my dog properly. 'My dog doesn't deserve to die, because he was saving my life. He doesn't like males because of what he's seen me going through.' She pleaded with magistrates: 'If you're going to put him down, can I say goodbye, because he's like my child.' Magistrates made the destruction order, with chair of the bench Geraint Evans telling Young: 'We do not believe your lifestyle is conducive to keeping dogs. 'We deem him a dangerous dog and grant the application. We also ban you from ownership of any dogs until further notice.'
North Wales Live
5 days ago
- North Wales Live
Welsh recycling centre blunder led to discovery of £240k drug farm
The discovery of cannabis stalks dumped at a recycling centre led police to a drug farm with an estimated street value worth up to £242,000. Vigilant staff members at the Aberystwyth centre reported the crime and, following subsequent swift police action, drug farmer Manuel Nerguti is now behind bars after being convicted of producing a class B drug, Dyfed Powys Police said. A statement from the force said: "Swansea Crown Court heard that police received a report that approximately four to five bags of cannabis waste had been dropped off at the recycling centre on May 1, 2025, by men using a hired Ford Transit van. "Later that afternoon officers stopped the van, which was travelling between Aberystwyth and Cardigan. Nerguti, aged 20, along with two other men were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of cannabis but were released as no cannabis grow could be located. "A month later, thanks to police intelligence, officers carried out a warrant at a derelict house in Bridell, Cardigan, in which 260 mature cannabis plants were found across five rooms and attic space. The electricity supply had been sophistically bypassed and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking was present. "During the raid on June 7, the defendant tried to run away from police, but he was found hiding behind a washing machine in the garage. Nerguti pleaded guilty at Swansea Crown Court last Friday (July 11) and was sentenced to six-months in prison." Detective Constable Sam Garside, who was leading the investigation, wanted to highlight the recycling centre staff for their quick-thinking in reporting the cannabis waste. He said: 'This result is thanks to the staff at the recycling centre for recognising that criminal activity was taking place and for alerting police quickly. 'We rely on the public to inform us of anything suspicious going on in their communities and we encourage people to get in touch if they suspect anything suspicious. 'We were able to use our local knowledge and police intelligence to execute a successful warrant to help shut down an illegal cannabis factory in the Cardigan area. We are committed to carrying out even more drug operations throughout Dyfed-Powys and continue to ensure more criminals like Nerguti are brought to justice.'
BBC News
13-07-2025
- BBC News
Hermione Granger online scammer tricks vulnerable Milford Haven man
A vulnerable man was targeted by an online scammer who tricked him into believing he had befriended Harry Potter character Hermione resident of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, thought he was speaking to the fictional teacher's pet and friend of the title character in the series, written by JK Rowling and played by actor Emma Watson in the major film franchise fraudster asked the vulnerable resident for money, but a police community support officer (PCSO) was able to convince the victim he was being Rachel O'Neill has been recognised for using the "strong" trust she has built up with the community to protect the resident. "It has taken a long time to build up trust in the community and explain that I am here to help," said Ms O'Neill, who has spent six years with the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention said while it took time for the "penny to drop" in this case, she was pleased serious harm had been prevented and that she was able to use the experience to offer education on scammers and how they 45-year-old mum-of-three said some vulnerable adults in her community were once "so frightened of the police", but have grown in confidence."When people see a familiar face, they learn to trust you and they therefore will feel more comfortable to talk to the police and report any suspicious behaviour," she said. Ms O'Neill was voted winner of the We Care Award at the Dyfed-Powys Police Force Awards and honoured at a ceremony on 4 awards, voted for entirely by the public, celebrates Dyfed-Powys Police officers, staff or volunteers who have made a difference in their voter described Ms O'Neill as "always looking for ways to help people and improve her patch".Another said she was "always open, friendly, and easy to approach," adding Ms O'Neill ensured each individual felt "seen, heard, and understood" and "works hard until the answers are found". Dyfed-Powys Police described Ms O'Neill as a "well-known and respected face in the town" and praised her dedication to safeguarding and community O'Neill said she felt "very privileged" and "humbled" to win the award, describing the community recognition as "incredibly special.""Everybody knows how much I love and value my job," she added. Also praised at the awards were runners-up PCSO Jonathan Crayford, described as the "backbone of the community", and PCSO Matthew Kieboom, who "goes above and beyond even when off duty".Glan Thomas received the Chief Constable's outstanding achievement award for his 40 years of leadership in forensic services and key roles in many major cases, including the operation focusing on the abduction and murder of five-year-old April Jones, in 2012.
BBC News
10-07-2025
- BBC News
NHS Blood Bike courier killed in Pembrokeshire crash was 'much loved'
A motorcyclist carrying blood supplies for the NHS when he died after a crash was "much loved" and a "dedicated volunteer", his family have said. Timothy Minett,78, was riding a Blood Bikes Wales Honda motorbike that collided with a white Volkswagen van on the A478 between Glandy Cross and Blaenffos in Pembrokeshire at about 18:20 BST on 2 Bikes Wales volunteers help the NHS by delivering emergency blood, donor milk and medical equipment between Police said the rider died at the scene and the 56-year-old driver of the van was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Known to family and friends as Tim, they said he was "a dedicated volunteer Blood Bikes Wales rider who was volunteering at the time of the collision"."[We are] deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a devoted husband, stepfather, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend," the family added.
