South Wales Police

An animation project backed by the South Wales Police Youth Trust charity aims to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.

The assembly at Maesteg Comprehensive School was very different this week, as it was the scene for the official launch of an animation film made by members of the PUPIL scheme.

The pupils were responsible for every aspect of the cartoon production, including writing the story, designing puppets, filming and sound. They even planned the launch event and will now be busy promoting their work across the Borough of Bridgend.

The animation highlights the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse and was shared with their fellow pupils, teachers, governors, parents and some very special guests. To celebrate the launch, the High Sheriff of Glamorgan and former South Wales Police Chief Constable Barbara Wilding attended and congratulated the pupils on their innovative work to help make the community safer.

The pupils involved in making the project happen were presented with South Wales Police Youth Trust ‘certificates of appreciation’.

PCSO Bella Rees who led the project, said “The pupils have been brilliant and have created a thought provoking animation that will raise awareness about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. I’m extremely proud of their hard work and would like to thank them all for their enthusiasm and creativity.”

The project involved a number of training workshops with animation company Turnip Starfish and was funded by a grant from the South Wales Police Youth Trust charity.

You can view the animation film at www.youtube.com/swptv

For further information on the South Wales Police Youth Trust charity and the grant application process please visit www.swpyouthtrust.org.uk

Photograph features PCSO Bella Rees and PCSO Dave Johnson with the young animators.

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

Police officers in Bridgend will be riding their bikes with pride thanks to a donation for new cycling equipment.

Bridgend Neighbourhood Policing Team, which covers the Morfa, Newcastle and Oldcastle areas, received £928 from Councillor David Unwin on behalf of Bridgend Town Council.

The money has been used to provide officers with a wealth of much-needed bike gear, including cycling jackets, trousers, t-shirts and gloves.

PCSO Christian Freeth from Bridgend Neighbourhood Policing Team said: ‘The new equipment will allow the team to conduct more high visibility bike patrols throughout the area.

“The bike patrols not only help us in tackling crime, but also provide us with the opportunity to engage with residents and discuss any concerns that they may have. With the bikes we are able to cover larger areas of the community, speak to more people, and concentrate on PACT priorities.”

Inspector Paul Tinkler commented:

“The bikes compliment the current patrol strategies we have in place, allowing officers to get to incidents quicker, cover more ground and provide a highly visible and accessible uniformed presence within the community.

“The donation from Bridgend Town Council has made a real difference to the local policing team within their frontline duties. The officers will be making use of the new equipment to carry out further bike patrols to protect and reassure the communities of Bridgend.”

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.”

Police are re-appealing for information following a fatal road traffic collision on Sunday 13th November.

The collision occurred at the junction of Quarrella Road with Tremgarth in Wildmill at around 5pm.

Two vehicles were involved; a silver Peugeot 206 car and a blue Yamaha DT 125cc motorcycle.

The motorcyclist was 19-year-old local man Adam Lee, who tragically died.

Adam’s parents, Melanie and Meirion, said: “Our much loved son and brother, Adam, has been taken away from us.

“He will be hugely missed and his passing has left a huge void in our lives.

“Adam had a great deal of respect for his family and friends. In particular he had a very close relationship with his brother, Daniel who is missing a loving brother.

“Adam was a very caring person and would do anything to help anyone. He was very well known in the neighbourhood. He was a shy and quiet young man and the family is heartbroken. We will all cherish the many great times Adam gave us.

“Adam enjoyed motorbikes and motorsport and especially playing on his Playstation.”

“We would like to thanks our friends and family as well as the staff at the Princess of Wales Hospital for their support at this difficult time.”

Adam’s nan, Caron, added she will miss her loving grandson enormously.

Adam’s family have requested that they now be left alone to come to terms with their tragic loss.

South Wales Police is appealing for any witnesses or anyone who may have seen the two vehicles being driven and ridden in the area prior to the collision to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact the Roads Policing Unit on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Bridgend Front Line Support Officer Gaynor Cassidy has given a helping hand to the newly established local branch of charity Guide Dogs for the Blind. She has volunteered for the charity and her colleagues at Bridgend Police Station have raised over £50.

In fact the links with the local police continue with resident and branch Chair Keith Barrett’s guide dog, who’s called Bobby. Gaynor’s fundraising has also got her colleagues involved with the charity and local PCSO Heather Dobbs is very keen on linking some residents from her patch with the services of the Bridgend branch.

FLSO Gaynor Cassidy said “The charity does so much good work to support blind and partially sighted in Bridgend and I wanted to show my support for such a worthy cause. It’s been brilliant working with the charity and we have all become very fond of bobby.”

Chair Keith Barrett said “Bobby is a 7 year old lab-retriever cross and has been my guide dog since he was 15 months old. He’s highly trained, loves his food and very much enjoys his job.”

Keith continues “We have got the Bridgend branch of charity going again and are looking forward to fundraising and increasing volunteers. We did a bucket collection in Bridgend a few weeks back and the support from the Bridgend community was brilliant.”

Guide Dogs for the Blind provide mobility and freedom to blind and partially sighted people. To get involved with the Bridgend branch of Guide Dogs for the Blind please contact Councillor Norah Clarke on 01656 786018 who is herself a guide dog puppy volunteer walker. The Bridgend branch will be meeting monthly at the Cabo Roche Café on Five Bells Road.

For more information on guide dogs please visit http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/services/guide-dogs/ and have a look at the ‘changing lives’ video.

Please note the photo was taken during Bobby’s break (that’s why he’s not in his harness)

South Wales Police has joined the hunt for men responsible for more than 20 distraction burglaries across the UK.

Detectives are appealing for information on seven distraction burglaries across South Wales which may be linked to a series of similar offences across the UK.

Criminals have been using the same technique in order to gain access to homes of elderly people in Cardiff, Bridgend, and the Vale of Glamorgan.

A national police group believes the same men might also be responsible for 16 similar offences in Wiltshire, Gloucester, Thames Valley, West Mercia, Gwent, London, and the West Midlands over the summer.

Thousands of pounds and other items have been stolen from the victims aged in their 80s and 90s.

In almost every case the burglars have fabricated a story about smashing a window then wanting to inspect the damage.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Davies, from South Wales Police, said: “This type of crime is despicable. Victims of distraction burglary can suffer terribly both emotionally and physically.

“The average age of the victims in South Wales is 86 years old which gives you an idea of how cowardly these burglars are in targeting the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“We are working with police forces across the country to track down those responsible so they can be brought to justice.”

The 23 burglaries are being investigated by Operation Liberal, a national unit that analyses intelligence and maintains a database of crimes, offenders, vehicles, forensic information and images.

The unit formed in 1988 and involving all police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, co-ordinates the investigation of distraction burglaries.

Investigating officers are particularly keen to trace two brother - Michael Steven Myers, 31, and Patrick Joseph Myers, 30 - who have strong links to South Wales particularly Cardiff.

Michael Myers is wanted for absconding from prison in 2010 after being sentenced to 8 years for a distraction burglary in 2008.

His younger brother is wanted for a burglary in the Metropolitan Police area.

DCI Davies, who is based in Cardiff, added: “Although there has not been an offence in South Wales since September 3, we will pursue those responsible until they are caught to give the victims peace of mind and to protect others.

“Last year we were involved in the launch of All Wales Doorstep Crime Group national campaign providing simple practical advice on how to deal with bogus callers.

“I would ask people to remind themselves of this advice and pass it on to any elderly friends, relatives or neighbours.

“It is vital people do not allow strangers into their home and to check the identity of any callers.”

For advice on how to deal with unannounced doorstep callers and how people can help others log onto www.doorstepcallers.co.uk

Anyone with information is asked to call 02920 774 233 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The offences in South Wales are as follows:
 

• 19/07/11 - The Hawthorns, Cardiff.

Victim: 83-year-old female

Offenders claims his sister shot a BB gun through her upstairs window breaking the glass.

Asks for bank details to pay for the damage.

• 19/08/11 – Heathwood Road, Cardiff

Victim: 83-year-old female

Offender claims he has broken a window with his football at the rear of her house.

Occupier distracted and cash stolen by accomplice.

• 22/08/11 – Penybont Road, Bridgend

Victim: 89-year-old female

Offenders claims that someone has broken the window at the back of her house with a catapult.

Occupier distracted and cash stolen.

• 24/08/11 – Bridge Street, Llandaff, Cardiff.

Victim: 83-year-old female

Offender knocked on the front door saying his little sister had broken a window.

Enters property and cash stolen.

• 26/08/11 - Smiths Row, Wenvoe, Vale of Glamorgan

Victim: 85-year-old female

Offender found in the house claiming to have found a boy who had smashed her back window.

Cash stolen.

• 2/9/11 – Claude Road West, Barry.

Victim: 94-year-old man

Offender shouts through the letter box stating his son had possibly smashed a rear window with a catapult and claiming to pay for the damages.

Accomplice also found in the house.

• 3/9/11 – Pendwyallt Road, Cardiff

Victim: 85-year-old female

Two males claim a young boy had used a catapult and damaged her skylight window.

Asked for money to repair the damage.

August 2011

The first ever PACT (Partnerships and Communities Together) Roadshow rolled into Rest Bay beach to give local residents a greater say on local issues.

The local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) were joined by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Councillor Gerald Davies and neighbourhood watch co-ordinator Brian Saunders. The roadshow for Nottage and Rest Bay was aimed at raising the profile of the PACT process and gave members of the community who can't attend  meetings the opportunity to discuss issues with members of the PACT panel.

Information and success stories resulting from previous PACT meetings were discussed, and Porthcawl NPT provided an insight into the duties they carry out as a result from information received at PACT meetings.

Members of the public were introduced to the hand held speed camera and to those interested even used the camera to help slow vehicles down. Local children were shown the police van and were interested to sit in the cage to see firsthand what it is like for offenders to be locked up.  Local PCSO Leighton Rees also continued his ongoing crime prevention service to water sport enthusiasts in the car park as part of the successful Surfers Watch.

Daniel Morris, an arson and reduction officer of South Wales Fire and Rescue service was on hand to provide fire prevention advice and offer free fire safety checks in the home. He also brought his fire push bike and made patrols of Rest Bay Car Park and the local estate to offer his services. Also as part of the partnership working between the Police and Fire service, Carys Stubbs a road traffic collision reduction officer, brought along the community safety vehicle to provide vital information and carry out hazard perception tests with drivers.

PCSO Rees said:

“This is the first PACT Roadshow in the Nottage and Rest Bay area aimed at improving our service to local residents and visitors. This is an excellent way to engage with members of the public and listen to issues that matter which will hopefully strengthen our link with the community.”

are you our 2011 champions?

The action packed ‘it’s a knockout’ event is coming to South Wales Police Sports Field on Sunday 24th July 2011, to help raise funds for the charity tŷ hafan.

South Wales Police are supporting the event, and players from the police rugby team will be taking part.

Registration now open

Registration for the event is now open and you can get involved online www.tyhfan.org/knockout, by calling 029 2067 2065, or emailing events@tyhafan.org

Activities

Whether it's a day out with your friends or family, or a team building exercise with your group or organisation, you are sure to enjoy the thrill and excitement, laughter and light hearted competition. Teams go head to head on giant inflatable games. The games are designed so it's not just the fastest and fittest who always win, thought and skill are certainly required, as our teams discovered.

Read on for more details about some of the activities you could be taking part in...

• The Wedge* is shaped like a big lump of cheese. Contestants in groups of three have to climb up the gang rope and then slide down the other side (sitting down only) to complete a puzzle.
• The Equaliser* involves carrying a giant egg and spoon across the inflatable without dropping the egg. Once you do this, you will be handed a piece of a rubik cube which you must assemble to gain points.
• Air Dancer Tunnels* will see contestants lined up for a team relay race through foam-filled tunnels. You have to high-five your team mate to signal that the coast is clear before you enter.
• Bouncy Basketball* is a speed game where the contestants have to race one another one by one to score the points. Contestants are set off on the whistle in groups of three.
• Ski If You Can Do This* is a lot harder than it looks. Contestants have to line up in three's. The first group keeps going for approximately 6m, then your team mates swap over and off they go.
  
  One last change over and if you pass the winning line first you could be champions.

*Please note these activities are subject to change

More information on tŷ hafan

tŷ hafan offers comfort, care and support for life-limited children and young people and is dedicated to improving the quality of life of their whole family.

Registered charity number 1047912

Thursday 7th July 2011

South Wales Police has been working with Kenfig Nature Reserve and local school children to combat anti-social behaviour in the area.

Pupils from Ysgol y Ferch O’r Sger, Afon y Felin and Corneli Primary School have been designing posters for the ‘Keeping Kenfig Safe’ campaign.

The competition saw Reserve Warden Graham Holmes and School Liaison Officer Steve Carpenter delivering lessons to the children around how to look after the natural beauty area.

Pupils then designed posters to highlight to visitors how to use Kenfig Nature Reserve safely, and with consideration for others. The winners were invited down to Kenfig Nature Reserve on Thursday to watch the helicopter in action and have a tour with the crew.