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.”

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.

South Wales Police in Barry has teamed up with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) to launch a brand new partnership initiative.

The aim of the project is to improve fire safety and to monitor areas or sites that may not normally be easily accessible during standard patrols. 

It will also be an opportunity for officers to visit local businesses in the Vale of Glamorgan and make business owners aware of the risks that certain stocks they carry can be targeted by arsonists.

The scheme is also designed to increase community engagement and reduce crime by creating a presence on Industrial Estates in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Russ Phillips from the Fire Crew Unit said: “We have examined a number of fires on industrial estates and we have identified that they were linked with metal thefts.

“A patrol strategy has been set up to target this and officers from SWFRS and local neighbourhood police officers have already been patrolling hot spot areas on the new mountain bikes and there have already been two arrests in relation to metal thefts.” 

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

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 31st May 2011

Neighbourhood officers in the historically and beautiful Vale of Glamorgan will be targeting the car parks along the coast from Llantwit Major to Ogmore in order to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour

The heavy demand on the car parks does result in a number of crimes being reported such as theft from motor vehicles, criminal damage, along with anti social behaviour. Although reported crime is low in the area, it can be very upsetting for those affected.

During the summer months, particularly the evenings, the coastal car parks often attract youths and others who act in an anti-social manner.  These problems cause local residents a great deal of distress. Camping is not encouraged in the area because of the littering and camp fires that sometimes cause damage to the environment.  The council have the authority to issue £40 fines to those caught camping overnight.

An operation has set up, which will focus mainly on the beach areas of Ogmore and Southerdown but with the objectives of offering the public reassurance. 

The intention of the operation is to:

To reduce crime within the area, including auto crime and drug use.
To offer reassurance to the local community and visitors.
To provide a safer environment for the public.
To offer crime prevention advice where appropriate.
To discourage any anti social behaviour.
To develop any intelligence offered.
To enforce parking issues.
To maximise police patrols and deter, disrupt and detect criminal activity.

            
 PCSO Serena James who is overseeing the operation said” The operation will be run on a weekend and evening basis from 1st June right through until the 1st September “

“Officers will be conducting high visibility patrols throughout the day and some plain clothed patrols will also be carried out. “

“Officers are also warning motorist that any vehicles found parked on the double yellow lines leading to the beach entrance on Main Road, Ogmore-By-Sea will be addressed with a zero tolerance approach and issued a Fixed Penalty Notice.”

PCSO James added “We want people to come and enjoy the beautiful coastal areas and not to have their enjoyment ruined by the few who choose to commit crime and anti-social behaviour and cause residents inconvenience by parking inconsiderately”

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."

Tuesday 10th May 2011

The South and East Wales Police Air Support Unit have flown to the top of the Twitter charts.

The @helicops account is currently the most popular of the UK Air Support Units on Twitter, with over 2,170 followers at present.

Helicops was launched in March 2010, and is updated by the South Wales and Gwent Police helicopter team 24 hours a day.

The Twitter feed allows members of the public to follow the helicopter’s operational activities at all hours, and also ask the officers questions.