South Wales Police

Police in Swansea are re-appealing for information following an indecent exposure that occurred at 10.10am on Tuesday 10th January.

The 28 year old female victim was standing at the bus stop on Carmarthen Road, Cwmbwrla, opposite Boots when the suspect approached her and indecently exposed himself.

The suspect is described as male, white, 25 to 35 years of age, 6’ tall, stocky build, had dark brown cropped hair, and wearing a green hoody and jeans.

Officers have released a CCTV video footage of the suspect.

Police are also investigating other similar incidents in the area.

Detective Inspector Darren George of Swansea Central CID said: "The identity of the male depicted in the footage is sought in respect of an of incident in the Cwmbwrla area of Carmarthen Road, Swansea, where heapproached the female and has exposed himself."

D I George added: "Extensive enquiries are on going in respect of other incidents by officers, we are appealing to the public for information to help us identify this male.

"I would urge anyone knows the identify of this male to come forward."

Anyone with information should contact Swansea Central CID on 01792 450618 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot have made 31 arrests and recovered drugs with a street value of more than £43,000 during a day-long operation.

The operation was the latest to be held by police following the launch of the Heroin Ruins Live campaign in October aimed at encouraging members of the public to come forward with information on those who deal and supply drugs.

It saw officers execute search warrants at numerous addresses across the western area of the force, as well as carry out patrols in known hotspot areas.

Over 5,000 leaflets were delivered to residents to inform them of the police activity in their area and to appeal for them to provide information to the police.

Drug support workers worked alongside officers to promote rehabilitation services, while council street cleaners worked to clear up discarded needles.

Among the 31 arrests, 19 were for possession with intent to supply drugs.

The value of the drugs seized was £43,370 and includes heroin, cannabis and amphetamine. A cannabis factory was also discovered at New Road in Skewen which had 65 mature plants. Three vehicles were also seized from suspected criminals.

Around £2,400 in cash was also recovered and police will instigate Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings to seize the assets of those involved in drugs supply.

Detective Inspector Jason Davies, who led the operation, said: “This operation has seen us build on the success we have already had as a result of the Heroin Ruins Lives campaign.

“It was the latest in a number of many planned events to target those who are clearly impacting on their neighbours and local communities as a result of drug supply.

“I would like to thank those who have already provided us with information and ask that they continue to do so and maintain the momentum of the positive outcomes to date.

“The police activity right across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot has sent out a clear message to those who supply drugs that there is no hiding place, we will seek you out and bring you to justice.”

Anyone with information can contact the police on 01792 450631 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

South Wales Police is appealing to the public for information to trace a missing person.

Catherine Barnes – known as Kate - aged 32 years, was last seen on Wednesday 4^th January near Swansea train station.

Officers are concerned for her welfare and safety and are asking anyone who has seen her to contact them.

The missing person is described as 5ft 7ins in height with sandy coloured hair which may currently be dyed black. She has a British flag tattoo on her wrist and a dragon tattoo on her calf.

She was last seen wearing a black top, blue jeans, a grey jumper and wedged boots. She speaks with an American accent and has stayed as various addresses in the Swansea, Pontardawe and Milford Haven areas in recent weeks.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Catherine should contact police in Swansea on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A Help Point is being trialled in Swansea City Centre over Christmas to make sure visitors enjoy a safe and healthy night out.

The Safer Swansea Partnership vehicle will be located at Castle Square from 10pm onwards on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from December 7 to January 1, 2012.

Friendly staff from the police, council, health and voluntary sectors will be on hand to provide people with the help they need.

After this trial period an evaluation will be carried out to assess the long-term use of the Help Point in the city centre.

Jeff Davison, Safer Swansea’s Strategic Manager, said: “The Healthy City Help Point is being trialled over the busy Festive period to provide extra support to visitors and other night-time staff. The Help Point is anticipated to provide a warm welcome to visitors and allow staff to give timely help to those who need it, where and when they need it most.”

Help available to visitors will include:
• Helping people ‘the worse for drink’ sober up and clean up so as to be able to travel home safely on foot, by bus or taxi
• Minor first aid from A&E and ambulance staff to deal with minor mishaps and injuries
• Providing information on where things are located in the city centre such as cash points, taxi ranks, hotels and fast food premises
• Providing information for alcohol and drug treatment services where appropriate
• The vehicle will provide a positive focal point for visitors and extra support for existing night-time economy staff and volunteers, including the award-winning Street Pastors.

The Help Point is the first major development from the Healthy Nightlife initiative - a project aimed at making improvements to the city centre at night. Healthy Nightlife forms part of the Healthy City programme where Swansea has joined a select network of European cities who are working together to improve the health of local communities and reduce health inequalities.

Sharon Miller,Joint Healthy City Coordinator, said: “The Healthy Nightlife project is a key priority area of the Healthy City programme. We believe that with all agencies working together we can ensure a safer nightlife experience. The piloting of the Help Point by partners is a key development in this programme which will help us look at how we can best meet people’s needs and ensure their safety and well being.”

The introduction of a Help Point is the result of partnership working at its best. An existing Safer Swansea vehicle has been adapted with seating, a table and storage space inside making it fit for purpose. All first aid supplies have been provided by Co-op Pharmacies; bottled water to give to visitors in need of hydration has been supplied by Wind Street’s Peppermint Bar & Kitchen and a nite-net radio has been supplied by MRS Communications via the Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP), which will allow Help Point staff to communicate with licensed premises, CCTV operators and police.

Thursday 1st December 2011

The CPS has today decided to discontinue proceedings in the trial of eight former police officers accused of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Simon Clements, the CPS reviewing lawyer in the case said: “The allegations against these men arose out of their investigation into the murder of Lynette White. Three men were wrongly convicted in 1990 of her murder and had their convictions quashed on appeal.

“These were extremely serious allegations that men who were then serving police officers had fabricated evidence to frame innocent people. We were satisfied at the time that this was a case which should go before a jury for trial.

“However, at the request of the judge on 28 November, a review by the prosecution of a certain section of the unused material has uncovered that some copies of files, originally reviewed but not considered discloseable at that time, were missing. This information related to complaints made by one of the original defendants to the IPCC and another complaint relating to the investigation. On inquiry, it was found that these copies had been destroyed and no record of the reason for their destruction had been made by the police officers concerned. This was the first time that prosecution counsel or the CPS had been made aware of this destruction.
 
“Although this relates to copies and not original files, it is now impossible to say for certain whether the copy was in fact exactly the same material that had been provided by the IPCC, reviewed and then destroyed. The destruction of those copies, along with the non-recording of the destruction, meant that it would be impossible to give meaningful re-assurances that no other material had been treated similarly, thus undermining the defence’s confidence in the disclosure process.

“Given the stage reached in the proceedings, the correct course of action is to offer no evidence, thus inviting verdicts of not guilty and ending the trial.”

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer, QC, has been consulted and is extremely concerned about the outcome. Both he and the Chief Constable for South Wales Police have agreed that there must be a full and detailed review of the circumstances in which this decision has had to be made, and that the review will have the full support and cooperation of South Wales Police.

Sent on behalf of Deputy Chief Constable Colette Paul

23 Tachwedd 2011

Neges gan Heddlu De Cymru

Parthed: Diwrnod o streicio cenedlaethol – Dydd Mercher, 30 Tachwedd 2011.

Hoffai Heddlu De Cymru gymryd y cyfle hwn i dawelu meddyliau aelodau’r cyhoedd ynghylch cynlluniau wrth gefn sy’n cael eu rhoi mewn lle wrth baratoi ar gyfer y diwrnod o streicio cenedlaethol arfaethedig.

Rydym yn deall yn iawn fod aelodau’r undeb am ddangos eu cefnogaeth yn ystod y streicio arfaethedig, a rhagwelir y bydd nifer o staff cymorth yr Heddlu yn streicio ar y diwrnod hwn.

Mae systemau cadarn mewn lle i sicrhau y gallwn gynnal y safon sy’n ddisgwyliedig o wasanaeth brys, drwy barhau i ymateb yn effeithlon ac effeithiol i alwadau 999 a materion brys eraill.

Meddai’r Dirprwy Brif Gwnstabl Colette Paul,

“Rydym yn deall yn iawn fod aelodau’r undebau yn dymuno dangos eu cefnogaeth yn ystod y streicio arfaethedig.

Fodd bynnag, ein dyletswydd ni fel gwasanaeth Heddlu, fel yr arfer, yw darparu a chynnal plismona o ansawdd uchel y gall y cyhoedd ddibynnu arno.

Mae diogelwch y cyhoedd yn parhau yn brif flaenoriaeth, ac rydym yn gwneud y cyfan y gallwn i sicrhau ein bod yn lliniaru unrhyw effaith y gall y gweithredu diwydiannol ei hachosi.

Gall hyn olygu y bydd angen i swyddogion yr Heddlu gyflawni tasgau a wneir fel arfer gan staff cymorth yr Heddlu, yn ôl yr angen.

Hoffwn gymryd y cyfle hwn i dawelu meddyliau’r cyhoedd na fydd llawer o effaith ar ein gwasanaethau yn ystod y cyfnod hwn.”

A project called ‘Stopping the Rot’ in the Eastside and Morriston areas of Swansea has been recognised nationally for effective problem solving.

Neighbourhood officers, CID and the Safer Swansea Partnership have tackled anti social behaviour and crime in Eastside, which has resulted in the project being nominated for a certificate of merit in the Tilley Awards 2011.

The project is also in the running for a Tilley Award and needs your vote to win. To find out more about the project, the Tilley Awards and to get involved in the voting please follow this link www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/partnerships/tilley-awards-2011/

Police in Swansea are launching a hard hitting campaign to highlight the devastating consequences of heroin use in the city.

The Heroin Ruins Lives Campaign aims to raise awareness of the impact the class A drug is having on users, their families and friends, and the wider community on a daily basis.

Police hope that their message will encourage people to come forward with information about the supply of heroin and other drugs, particularly dealers who prey on and target Swansea.

The campaign features a powerful poster and flyer depicting the headstone of a deceased heroin user. Since 2007 there have been 61 drug related deaths in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

Detective Inspector Jason Davies of Swansea Central Police Station, who is leading the campaign said

“Swansea is recognised nationally as having a significant heroin misuse problem and this makes the area vulnerable to infiltration by organised crime groups intent on supplying heroin on our streets.”

“The purpose of the project is to raise awareness of the impact heroin has on the user, those closest to them and the community as a whole.”

“Without the support of the community we are often one step behind in the fight against heroin supply and those closest to the user are often best placed to provide information on the supply networks.”

“With your support, together we can respond to the needs of the community by acting dynamically on this intelligence, we can better the quality of life for the family of the user by reducing heroin availability which in turn offers opportunities for them to support the user to engage in rehabilitative programmes”

Latest figures reveal that police have detected 188 drug trafficking offences between September 2010 and 2011, compared to 91 for the same period the previous year.

In the past 18 months, more than £1.2 million worth of Class B drugs have been seized, while since April 2010 more £500, 000 worth of Class A drugs have been recovered.

Since April 2010 prison sentences totalling more than 200 years have been handed down by the courts for drug trafficking offences, whilst 13 organised groups have been disrupted after they were caught infiltrating Swansea to supply heroin.

Chief Superintendent Mark Mathias Divisional Commander of the Western Division of South Wales Police said

“ It has been well documented that Swansea has a significant drugs problem, however we are fully committed to working with our partners, not only to target those who bring misery to our communities but also to support the users and their families who are all to often the forgotten victims2

“This is a hard hitting campaign, which I a sure will be impactive in raising awareness of the consequences of heroin misuse, which touches the lives of hundreds of families every day”

The campaign has the full support of the Swansea Drugs Project and encourages anyone has concerns for drug users to contact them.

Ifor Glyn Director of the Swansea Project said ;

“Heroin misuse is one of the biggest problems facing communities in Swansea. The number of deaths over the years is shocking and the cost to families and friends unbearable.”

“As an agency we have been seeing an increase in the numbers seeking help because of heroin misuse for a number of years with an increase of 40% in the last year.

“If this initiative helps reduce the harm caused by heroin to users, their families, children and the community in general, it should be supported. Our doors are open to anybody who wants help to overcome their problems”.

Press Release
Friday, September 16th

Swansea Colliery Incident Update - Body recovered and second body found

Emergency services are continuing a multi-agency rescue operation at the Gleision Colliery in the Swansea Valley which began yesterday morning (Thursday September 15th).

South Wales Police can confirm that the rescue team has now recovered the body of the man who was discovered earlier today.

A second body has also been found.

The families of the four men have all been informed but formal identification has not yet taken place. Relatives continue to be supported by family liaison officers.

The four men who are subject of the rescue operation have been named as Phillip Hill, aged 45, from Neath, Charles Breslin, aged 62, from the Swansea Valley, David Powell, aged 50, from the Swansea Valley, and Garry Jenkins, aged 39, from the Swansea Valley.

A dedicated telephone line has been set up for members of the public to contact if they are concerned relatives have been involved, the number is 01792 555565.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The rescue operation is on-going and no further information is available at this time.

Press Release
Friday, September 16th, 08:35am

Swansea Gleision Colliery Incident Update

Emergency services are continuing a multi-agency rescue operation at the Gleision Colliery in the Swansea Valley which began yesterday morning (Thursday September 15th).
South Wales Police can confirm that the rescue team reached one of the four men earlier this morning.
Every effort is being made by the rescue team to recover the body from the mine, but there is no estimated time as to how long this will take.
The families of the four men have all been informed. They continue to be supported by family liaison officers.
The four men who are subject of the rescue operation have been named as Phillip Hill, aged 45, from Neath, Charles Breslin, aged 62, from the Swansea Valley, David Powell, aged 50, from the Swansea Valley, and Garry Jenkins, aged 39, from the Swansea Valley.
A dedicated telephone line has been set up for members of the public to contact if they are concerned relatives have been involved, the number is 01792 555565.
One man was taken to Morriston Hospital yesterday morning and two other men got out of the mine unaided prior to the arrival of the emergency services.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• Please note the spelling of Charles Breslin is as above, not as stated yesterday.
• The rescue operation is on-going and no further information is available at this time.

• Media interviews will be conducted collectively at the outer cordon of the scene for broadcast purposes shortly. We cannot presently facilitate telephone or individual interviews.