South Wales 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.”

Two bungling thieves have been sent to prison after being captured on CCTV attempting to steel metal for scrap from an empty house in Merthyr.

Michael Jones and Gary Thomas, both aged 23, were filmed by a camera which were installed by Merthyr Valleys Homes after a spate of incidents costing the social landlord upwards of £40,000.

The pair broke into the property in the very early hours of Friday, September 23rd and were captured as they made their way up the stairs.

The CCTV clearly shows Michael Jones walking up the stairs followed by Gary Thomas, both drinking what appears to be alcohol.

Gary Thomas, covering his own face with his hands, alerts his partner in crime Michael about what he believes could be a camera poised on top of the stairs.

After staring point blank into the camera, Michael Jones makes a futile attempt to cover up his identity using his hood.

In an act difficult to comprehend, Michael – now with his hood up - looks back directly at the camera as he descends the stairs to leave the property.

Their actions have landed the pair in prison.

On September 27th at Pontypridd Magistrates court, Michael Jones was given a 20 week prison sentence and a two-year anti-social behaviour order which:

Prevents him from being drunk in a public place;
Prevents him from associating with Gary Thomas;
Put him under a curfew for 6 months;
Bans him from the Gellideg estate for 2 years;
Prevents him from harassing, alarming or distressing anyone in Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, especially living on the Gellideg estate.
 

If breached, Michael Jones could face up to 5 years in jail.

Gary Thomas also received a 20 week sentence on Tuesday, October 4th. South Wales Police’s application for an asbo with the same terms was opposed and a trial will be heard on November 7th. Gary has been remanded in custody.

Chief Inspector Stephen Jones, said: “Properties owned by Merthyr Valleys Homes have been targeted five times in just a few weeks, so there was a good chance it would happen again.

“The trap house was set up because it provides undisputable evidence to convict.

“The actions of this pair captured by the CCTV are almost unbelievable. Their reckless and stupid behaviour – probably under the influence of alcohol - and total contempt for the estate, where one of the males himself was a resident, was their undoing,” he added.

In similar incidents which preceded the capture of these two males, damage to the value of £40,000 was caused to properties as criminals ripped out copper piping and wiring. Those responsible even turned water back on to flood the houses, causing further damage to neighbouring properties when they left.

Mike Owen, Chief Executive of Merthyr Valleys Homes, said: “I hope this case deters others who think our empty properties are an easy target. We obviously wouldn’t confirm where our trap houses are, but rest assured they are ready and waiting for others.”

Watch CCTV http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GevSl2MQCEc 

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

A crime prevention initiative in Merthyr has shown that people are failing to take measures to prevent their cars being broken into.

As part of operation Martini, which is driven by the Merthyr Community Safety Partnership, officers spent four days throughout June scoping vulnerable vehicles in car parks throughout the borough.

Nearly 400 owners were spoken to because they left all kinds of personal valuables on display such as cash, sat navs, handbags, mobile phones and clothing.

Some of the vehicles themselves were even found to be insecure, with windows and sun roofs left wide open.

Chief Inspector Max Davies said: “We repeated the exercise because we couldn’t believe that in the last round, so many people had been so careless. We warned people through the local press at the time, and spoke to the owners, so we are astonished to find that even more notices were issued this time.”

In the last round in May, 338 people were left gentle reminders about the risks they were making. Throughout June, this number increased to 393.

Chief Inspector Max Davies added: “I would like to name the car parks so that people have more of an idea of who they are, but don’t want to give the game away to opportunist car thieves, because that is exactly what they are.

“My fear is that as it becomes hotter, more and more people will be leaving windows and sun roofs open, or rushing to get out of hot vehicles when they park-up without thinking.

“Last year, car parks included in our crime prevention swoop accounted for lots of thefts from vehicles. In one car park alone, which is evidence that criminals are targeting the exact areas where public complacency exists,” added CI Davies.

Beverly Owen, Merthyr Tydfil Community Safety Partnership, said: “When you leave your vehicle unattended, stop and think. The few seconds that it takes to check and put something out of view, can save the many hours wasted having to get a window replaced, cancelling credit cards or renewing personal documents, not to mention the financial burden of all these things.”

Metal thieves operating in Merthyr were targeted with a surprise enforcement operation on Thursday, June 16th.
South Wales Police, BTP, VOSA, and Trading Standards, Environmental Health and the Benefits agency, teamed up to stop and search suspicious vehicles carrying waste as they travelled along routes in and out of Merthyr.

Twenty vehicles were pulled over and escorted to a hidden assessment compound behind Rhydycar Leisure Centre, where different agencies carried out investigations into the legitimacy of their occupants’ trade, the legality of their vehicles and of the loads being carried.

Inadequacies of at least one kind were discovered with every single vehicle that was stopped, be it vehicle related, or to do with their trading rights or personal benefit claims.

The operation was held in response to rising number of metal thefts and to tackle fly-tipping throughout the Borough.

Last year (2010) saw metal thefts more than double in Merthyr when compared to 2009, and indications for 2011 to date are that the number of offences are steadily rising again.

The increase is down to criminals looking to take advantage of high metal prices to supplement income in a recession.

Sergeant Richie Gardiner said: ”This operation has helped send a message out to offenders who may think waste carrying illegally is an easy one get away with – and a good way to earn some quick cash.

“It shows we’re prepared to pool all the legal powers at our disposal to arrest, search, and convict people for a wide variety of offences and to disrupt their illegal operations.

“Waste carriers must carry an appropriate license as they make them accountable. Thos who don’t bother with licenses are usually those who will be prepared to dump rubbish illegally, or steal metal objects for its scrap value. Needless to say, those people will often also be fraudulently claiming benefits at the same time.”

In 2009, most offences targeted commercial properties (12 offences) or dwellings (14 offences) for copper.

In 2010 these doubled, but thieves also started to turn their attention to public buildings such as churches (2 offences), hospitals (3 offences) and schools (4 offences) which can be rich pickings for their high quantities of lead, at great expense to the tax payer.

Thieves have been known to use machinery to literally rip metal from roofs causing significant damage costing thousands, for led worth merely tens or a couple of hundred pounds.

Sergeant Richie Gardiner added: “Vehicles were checked for boilers, piping, radiators, garden furniture, and garden ornaments, all of which have been the target for thieves in the past. We also scanned for traces of Smart water to identify property which was stolen, but there were no positive hits. Quite simply, if they couldn’t account for what they carried or what they were doing with appropriate paperwork, then we took it further.”

As a result of being questioned by a benefits officer, four people surrendered benefits they were claiming on-the-spot and declared themselves self employed.

Eight businesses stopped by officers also failed to comply with Trading Standards regulations.

Three vehicles were seized from people who had no or insufficient insurance to drive them for business purposes.

The owners of 14 un-roadworthy vehicles were issued with prohibition notices.

One company was reported for allowing toxic waste to be taken from its premises without a valid license.

Ends

Street-level briefings are becoming a popular way for officers to meet with local residents in Merthyr.

They are giving residents the opportunity to meet with officers virtually on their own doorstep, in more familiar, less formal surroundings.

Newly appointed sector Inspector Claire Hallet hosted four briefings recently and each one was attended by over 10 people, despite wet and windy conditions.

It is her intention to ensure street briefings become a regular feature within communities around Merthyr.

She said: “PACT meetings have become the cornerstone for community engagement, and they have enabled us to focus on what matters most to communities.

“However, they should not be the only opportunity for local people to meet up with officers.

“I have actively encouraged local neighbourhood teams to try different ways to engage with members of our communities, especially those people who can’t always get to their PACT meetings.

“Street Briefings have been used for a long time in many other areas and I was keen to test out the response we would get in Merthyr.

“So far we have held four briefings in different areas of Merthyr and the one I attended in Lower Thomas Street was a success despite the poor weather conditions. Sixteen local residents came out to speak to us about problems such as parking issues, anti-social behaviour and theft of wheelie bins.

“We are finding that many residents feel that these sorts of issues are not important enough for the Police to deal with, but I want to reassure those people that your local Neighbourhood officers are dedicated to tackling these types of problems for them.”

Members of the public can also visit ourbobby.com to email officers about concerns they may have about community issues, to find out about latest PACT priorities and get real-time updates on actions police have taken in their community.

Wednesday 1st June 2011

Think before you drink – that is the message being driven by all four Welsh police forces ahead of this year’s all Wales Summer Anti Drink / Drug Driving Campaign.

The campaign, which was launched by North Wales Police on the Maes in Caernarfon today (Wednesday, 1st June), aims to crack down on drivers who risk lives by drinking and driving or driving under the influence of drugs.

South Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Nick Croft, ACPO Cymru lead for Roads Policing said: “There is absolutely no excuse for drinking and driving and the consequences can be devastating.

"As summer approaches and the weather gets warmer people are often tempted to have a few drinks socialising with friends, but if you plan on drinking then you need to plan your journey home so you don’t have to get behind the wheel. 

"You not only risk killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else, but you will end up in court and receive at least a one year driving ban, you could lose your licence, face jail or a fine of up to £5,000.

“South Wales Police is committed to keeping our roads safe; this year’s summer drink drive campaign is a month-long but enforcement and awareness activity to tackle and prevent drink and drug driving will continue throughout the year.

"It is important for people to recognise that if you drink and drive, you will potentially not only ruin your life, but the lives of others innocently associated with you and your actions.”

Throughout the month-long campaign officers across Wales will be focussing their efforts on drink and drug drivers, conducting increased stop checks to tackle those flouting the law.

North Wales Police’ Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard said: "At this time of year, the temptation to drink and drive is even greater as people are often tempted to have a few drinks socialising with friends, and then they don’t think about the dangers of getting behind the wheel.

“We want people to enjoy themselves over the summer months however, if you’re going to a beer garden after work or a friend’s barbecue at the weekend then think about how you are going to get home. Book a taxi, arrange a lift with a designated driver or simply just don’t drink.

“Officers from across Wales will be out there with a determination to arrest those people who choose to drink or take drugs and drive. The overwhelming majority of the public are supportive of the need to make our roads safer and share our resolve to rid the roads of drink and drug drivers.

He added: “Our campaign will continue throughout the remaining summer months as we seek to make our roads safer for all.”

The All Wales Summer Anti Drink/Drug Driving Campaign will run from Wednesday 1st until Thursday 30th June.

North Wales Police is encouraging anyone with information about people who are drinking or driving to report them by calling 101 (if in Wales), 0845 607 1001 (Welsh language line), 0845 607 1002 (English Language Line) or Crimestoppers Wales anonymously.

Background information:

During the 2010 campaign, 25,714 people were stopped and breath tested by police in Wales. 513 tested positive or refused or failed a breath test. In north Wales, 6,876 drivers were tested with 103 positives. 
 

Do you know the legal limit for alcohol when driving?

The legal limit in the UK is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.  However, any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely.  The effects can include slower reactions, poorer judgement of speed and distance and a reduced field of vision.  Alcohol also tends to make you feel over-confident and more likely to take risks when driving, which increases the danger to all road-users.

Y Gyfraith

Os cewch eich euogfarnu o drosedd yfed a gyrru:

Bydd gennych gofnod troseddol
Byddwch yn colli eich trwydded am o leiaf blwyddyn
Fe allech fynd I’r carchar am hyd at chew mis
Fe allech gael dirwy o hyd at £5,000
Cewch drafferth llogi car am ddeng mlynedd ar ôl i chi gael eich euogfarnu
 

Os cewch eich euogfarnu o achosi marwolaeth drwy yrru esgeulus dan ddylanwad alcohol, rydyn yn wynebu:

Hyd at 14 mlynedd o garchar
Dirwy ddigyfyniad
Cael eich gwahardd rhag yrru am o leiaf dwy flynedd
 

Canlyniadau eraill:

Costau yswiriant eithriadol o uchel unwaith y cewch eich trwydded yn ôl
Fe allech golli eich swydd
Costau cyfreithiol
Colli eich cludiant personol a chostau teithio uwch
Gorfod byw gyda’ch cydwybod
Yn waeth na dim, gorfod byw gyda’r ffaith bod rhywun diniwed wedi marw, wedi cael ei anafu neu wedi dioddef loes oherwydd eich ymddygiad anghyfrifol chi.

Tuesday 24th May 2011

£900 raised for Cancer Research 

Officers in Northern BCU always hold an annual soccer match, with the under 37’s taking on the more senior officers. This year’s game marked the retirement of Detective Chief Inspector Phil Jones, who wanted to raise funds for Cancer Research.

The charity was selected in the name of a colleague who is seriously ill and battling cancer, and in total £900 was raised.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Jones said “The fundraising effort has received a lot of support and the generosity really sums up why I chose a career in policing, with us being one big family”.

Detective Constable Jonathan Coombes managed to raise £200 by holding a raffle for a signed Dragons rugby shirt.

As for the soccer match, DCI Phil captained the over 37’s to a 3-0 lead, with reports of tremendous skill, teamwork, and even an extra player. However the youngsters got awarded a soft penalty by their captain and referee Detective Constable Mathew Griffiths, to pull a goal back before half time.

The seniors defended their lead strongly but conceded 2 second half goals, with the final result being a 3-3 draw.

DCI Phil Jones continues “Huge thanks to all those that took part and helped such a great cause.” 

Thursday May 12 2011

The Chief Constable's report led to arrest and conviction of drug dealer

Proving that a police officer is never off-duty, Chief Constable Peter Vaughan's quick thinking led to the arrest of a drug dealer from Treharris.

Whilst taking his daughter for a driving lesson, Mr Vaughan observed a suspicious package being passed between two parked cars in Treharris Library car park. Having recorded the registrations on his mobile phone, he promptly reported the activity, the suspect was arrested and cannabis plants discovered in the suspect's attic.

In court, Christoper Williams from Treharris admitted producing and supplying cannabis. He was given a 32 week suspended sentence and ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work.

After the case Mr Vaughan said:

"Tackling drugs in our communities is high on our agenda, and we will act on all information to put drug dealers out of business and to take them out of the community.

"If anyone sees anything suspicious, I would encourage you to report it to the police. We need the public to keep telling us where these individuals are."