South Wales Police Swansea and Neath Port Talbot

| Op Viscaria continues to deliver a heightened policing presence to act as a deterrent to a range of issues affecting Swansea city centre, including ASB and shoplifting.

The following individuals have been sentenced under Op Viscaria in the past two weeks:

Adam Griffiths (42), Aberdare – Shoplifting – 10 Weeks
Christopher Taylor (26), Swansea– Shoplifting and possession of drugs – 10 Weeks
Leanne Rees (35), Swansea – Shoplifting – 12 weeks
Kawsher Rahman (28), Swansea – Recall to prison – 3 Months
Richard Lewis (41), Swansea – Recall to prison – 3 months
Samantha Johnson (37), Swansea – Shoplifting and assault emergency worker – 24 Weeks
Wayne Thomas (47), Swansea – Shoplifting – 6 weeks

Sergeant James Truscott said: "Operation Viscaria is nearing the end of its third week and the team have been on foot patrol in the City Centre every day.

"The feedback from businesses and the public is extremely encouraging as is the number of arrests the team have made so far. Some of those arrests have resulted in prison sentences for crimes committed in the City Centre during this time. Whilst this is encouraging, we remain determined to continue our work in making the city a safer place to work and visit.

"Our work to support and signpost vulnerable people is unchanged and we continue to work with a range of partners to ensure that help can be provided. Our focus remains on those individuals who are openly committing crime and anti-social behaviour.”

HELPUSFIND | Tia, aged 17 from

Tia is described as having long dark hair and blue eyes, is 5ft 6, and has nose, tongue, lip and ear piercings. She has a tattoo on her right forearm of a rose. She usually wears a black jacket.

If you have any information on Tia’s whereabouts please contact us quoting reference 2300418679.

💬 Live Chat https://www.south-wales.police.uk/
💻 Contact us via https://bit.ly/SWPProvideInfo
✉️ Email [email protected]
📞 101
Always call 999 in an emergency.
Or 📞 Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111

| We would like to speak to this male, who is a potential witness to an incident at the Dolphin Hotel, Swansea on 11th November.

If you have any information, please contact us quoting reference 2300384322.

🗪 Live Chat https://www.south-wales.police.uk/
💻 Contact us via https://bit.ly/SWPProvideInfo
📧 Email [email protected]
📞 101
Always call 999 in an emergency.
Or 📞Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111

| Mark Harris
40 years old
From: Swansea City Centre
Wanted For: Assault/Threats to kill
Reference: 2300398257

🗪 Live Chat https://www.south-wales.police.uk/
💻 Contact us via https://bit.ly/SWPProvideInfo
📧 Email [email protected]
📞 101

Always call 999 in an emergency.

Or 📞Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111

Our officers bumped into two members of the Glamorgan Constabulary Police re-enactment group whilst on patrol in Swansea city centre.

How the uniforms have changed. Which do you prefer?

South Wales Police officers attended earlier at the scene of an incident at NEW CUT RD / THE STRAND, SWANSEA earlier. Both roads are now fully open.

We are at the scene of an incident at THE STRAND & NEW CUT ROAD, SWANSEA. Both roads are currently closed in both directions and are expected to remain closed for some time. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible. Delays are expected in the area.

We are at the scene of a serious collision on the CYMMER RD. GLYNCORRWG. The road is currently closed in both directions. It is expected to remain closed for some time. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible. Delays are expected in the area.

l We want to speak to anyone who might have further information after a rock was thrown through a First Bus Cymru window on Chemical Road, Morriston at 8:45pm on Thursday 26th October, injuring a passenger.

Anyone with information is asked to contact us quoting occurrence 2300365577.

💬 Live Chat https://www.south-wales.police.uk/
💻 Contact us via https://bit.ly/SWPProvideInfo
✉️ Email [email protected]
📞 101

Always call 999 in an emergency.

| Our Community Safety team attended the DVLA Code Challenge 2023 event at The Richard Ley Development Centre, Llansamlet.

School pupils in attendance had the opportunity to meet Police and Emergency Services colleagues, try on uniform and try fingerprinting.

| Here are some of the stats after the second week of in city centre.

• 26 directions to leave an area issued
• 5 Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) referrals
• 41 stop-searches conducted
• 44 arrests/postal charges/voluntary attendees
• 253 reassurance visits to city centre businesses
• 64 incidents attended

Chief Inspector Lindsey Sweeney said: “We are now into week three of Operation Viscaria, and the team are achieving great results.

“There has been positive feedback, both from retailers and from visitors within Swansea city centre.”

| Shane Sypliwtchak
29 years old
From: Pontardawe
Wanted For: Breach of harassment order
Reference: 2300384750

🗪 Live Chat https://www.south-wales.police.uk/
💻 Contact us via https://bit.ly/SWPProvideInfo
📧 Email [email protected]
📞 101

Always call 999 in an emergency.

Or 📞Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111

New to this page, updates from our Roads Policing Unit.

We’ll be aiming to bring you regular updates on what we’ve been up to on our roads!

Our teams are made up of officers with specialist skills including (but not limited to):
🚔 Advanced drivers and riders
🚔 Tactical Pursuit And Containment (TPAC)
🚔 VIP es**rt
🚔 Abnormal load es**rt
🚔 Hollow Spike Tyre Deflation System (‘Stinger’)
🚔 Taser
🚔 Negotiators
🚔 Family Liaison Officers

Keep an eye on this page for updates on our activity!

| From festive markets, office dos, and winter wonderlands, our towns and cities are set to be a hive of activity over the next month. 🎄

To support local policing operations, which will see increased patrols and visibility in key areas, we will also be deploying in the following areas on the following dates:

• Swansea city centre on 7, 15, 21, 22 December
• Neath town centre on 15, 22 December

As with all our deployments, the van and the zones of recognition will be clearly marked.

Anyone wishing to know more about the technology and why and how we use it is encouraged to speak to the team, who are always happy to discuss it and provide demonstrations where possible.

🔗 Further information is also available here: https://www.south-wales.police.uk/police-forces/south-wales-police/areas/about-us/about-us/facial-recognition-technology/faqs-about-live-facial-recognition-technology/

| Our Operation Bridport and Operation Goutweed teams have been recognised for their work towards community safety.

The inaugural Safer Communities Awards, hosted by the Wales Safer Communities Network, celebrated the work of projects, partnerships and people actively making communities safer across Wales.

The operations were recognised in the Organised Crime category, having been highlighted as a first-class model in tackling organised criminality.

Officers have attended an incident on the M4 between Junction 43 to Junction 42 Jersey Marine. The road has now re-opened. Thank you for your patience.

| PCSO Zak Bird and DC Rachel Shute visited college campuses in , and to promote the White Ribbon Campaign and healthy relationships to 16-18-year-olds.

They gave talks and engaged with learners about their understanding of domestic abuse. Members of Neath College signed the Pledge Against Domestic Violence.

| Thank you to Safer Neath Port Talbot for your work in making our communities safer!

| Jamie Edwards from - believed to be in the area.

Gwent Police want to speak to him in connection with an ongoing investigation into drugs and modern day slavery offences.

More information ⬇️

🚨 We're looking for 25-year-old James/Jamie Edwards from the area.

ℹ️ We want to speak to him in connection with an ongoing investigation into drugs and modern day slavery offences.

📱 If you can help call us on 101, quoting 2300346411, or you can DM us.

| Christmas shopping, Winter Wonderland, Christmas parties.
Whatever you’re heading in to city centre for this festive period, we’ll be on hand to help ensure everyone’s visit is safe and enjoyable.

As well as additional visibility in the form of our patrol team, who will be working to tackle everything from antisocial behaviour, shoplifting, and associated criminal activity , we’ll also be deploying live facial recognition on a number of days.

The team will be in the city centre on December 1st, 7th, 17th, 21st and 22nd.

As with all our deployments, the van and the zones of recognition will be clearly marked. Anyone wishing to know more about the technology and why and how we use it is encouraged to speak to the team, who are always happy to discuss it and provide demonstrations where possible.

🔗 Further information is also available here: https://www.south-wales.police.uk/police-forces/south-wales-police/areas/about-us/about-us/facial-recognition-technology/faqs-about-live-facial-recognition-technology/

🎄 – Festive safety and crime prevention advice: https://www.south-wales.police.uk/police-forces/south-wales-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/christmas-tis-the-reason/

officers arrest shoplifter who attacked two members of security staff at Tesco in when they tried to stop him leaving the store with unpaid for goods.

On Sunday, 26th November, Daniel Carmichael, aged 33 from Mount Pleasant, left the Tesco store on Oystermouth Road with stolen items including rum, vodka and packed meats. As he left the store the alarms activated and security staff stopped him.

One security staff member asked Daniel Carmichael to put the basket down, which he did, however he then struck the security guard to the face and upper body. Carmichael then proceeded to threaten another security guard who intervened.

officers arrested Daniel Carmichael and he was charged with the following.

• Theft from shop
• Assault by beating.
• Criminal damage

He pleaded guilty at Magistrates Court on the 27th November and was given a 20 week prison sentence.

Do you have any views about policing where you live? 💭

The Police and Crime Commissioner wants to know about:

👉Your personal experiences of policing
👉 How much you are prepared to pay for policing through council tax

Take part in this quick survey https://bit.ly/46cXtaE

Survey closes on Monday 18th December.

| PD Marshall keeping our streets safe 🐕‍🦺

A stolen car failed to stop in Swansea last week, the driver made off 🏃 into a dense area. PD Marshall attended and was guided in by Police Helicopter (NPAS) 🚁 to a possible heat source.

PD Marshall then located and detained man

Just after 6.30pm on Friday 3rd November we received a report that 3 males were causing a disturbance at a property on Hanover Street .

The family in the property heard the front door opening and three men walked in brandishing weapons. They were shouting aggressively and trying to locate another family member who was not in the property at the time. The three males proceeded to use their weapons to smash up the house.

Two of the family members were assaulted during the disturbance.

Imran Ahmad aged 22 from Sandfields, and 44-year-old Husain Ahmed from Barkingside, Ilford, have both been charged with the following offences.

• Aggravated burglary
• Assault causing ABH.
• Assault by beating.
• Criminal Damage

They have been remanded into custody.

A 14-year-old male from Sandfields was also arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary. He has been bailed for further enquiries.

Have you seen Neil McFadden? Officers are keen to hear from anyone who may know his whereabouts.

| Neil McFadden
36 years old
From: Neath
Wanted For: Assault
Reference : 2300349493

🗪 Live Chat https://www.south-wales.police.uk/
📧 Email [email protected]
📞 101

*Always call 999 in an emergency.*

To give information anonymously please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via this link https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/pre-form

Success for first week of in city centre which has seen the following results

• 48 shops visited for reassurance.
• 11 arrests for offences of shoplifting, racially aggravated assault, possession of drugs, robbery, and fraud
• 10 stop searches – 3 resulting in summons to court.
• 5 dispersal notices for ASB
• 2 arrested in connection with counterfeit goods operation with trading standards - goods seized running into thousands of pounds.
• 2 remanded into custody for retail thefts.
• 1 Community Protection Warning issued.
• 1 missing person located.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Mark Watkins said: “We’ve had a great start to Op Viscaria over the past 7 days, allowing us to take proactive action.

“I am pleased that the Op Viscaria officers have started making a difference already.

“We will continue to patrol Swansea city centre to protect people and deal with opportunistic shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.”

We are at the scene of a fire on the A4118, Parkmill, Swansea.
The road is currently closed in both directions close to the Gower Inn, Parkmill It is expected to remain closed for some time.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible. Delays are expected in the area.

| More than 50 hair and beauty businesses in are raising awareness of domestic abuse.

Officers and PCSOs have been engaging with local hairdressers, barbers, nail and beauty salons to inform and educate them about Claire's Law and safeguarding, so they can support those in need.

💬 PC Emma Byrne said: “Often when visiting a salon or hairdressers, customers have one-on-one time with their hairdressers and/or beauticians and it encourages them to ‘chat’.

💬 “While we were out engaging with businesses, a member of the public approached officers as they overheard the information we were relaying to staff. They asked if we could help them. This was a great intervention opportunity for us and highlighted that clients visit these businesses and often offload their ‘woes’, making this operation completely worthwhile.”

Lan, owner of Nails Neath, engaged and took leaflets and posters.

💬 Lan said: “This is a good thing for women. It’s hard for them if they are in a bad relationship. If they come here and open up, like they sometimes do, we can then educate them on how they can get help.”

Today is , which is a national day to raise awareness of violence against women and girls. It is an opportunity to reaffirm the pledge we make never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women and girls.

Women and girls are disproportionately the victims of violence and abuse, and suffer more at the hands of a partner, former partner or family member and sometimes a stranger.

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact us or someone that you feel comfortable talking to, so that we can take action.

Full story: https://www.south-wales.police.uk/news/south-wales/news/2023/tac-nov/over-50-local-businesses-help-target-domestic-abuse/

Cannabis factories were discovered yesterday afternoon, Tuesday 21st November, when officers executed simultaneous warrants at three properties in and .

One man, aged 35, was arrested on suspicion of the production of cannabis resin when officers from the local neighbourhood team made a rapid entry into a property on Morlais Road, Margam. He remains in police custody for questioning.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Jared Easton said: “When we receive intelligence of illegal activity and criminality in our area, we will act.

“We remain committed to tackling criminality wherever it presents itself and will tackle drugs– which can have incredibly harmful consequences – when we can.

“Information from the public remains vital to our efforts. If you have any information or concerns about drugs misuse or wider criminality in your area, please contact us.”

🗪 Live Chat https://www.south-wales.police.uk/
📧 Email [email protected]
📞 101

*Always call 999 in an emergency.*

To give information anonymously please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via this link https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/pre-form

18-year-old Leo Taylor, also known as Leo Williams, from has been charged with Section 18, wounding with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place following the stabbing of a 16-year-old male.

Following his court appearance today, Tuesday 21st November, he has been remanded into custody until his next hearing.

The confrontation occurred near Neath Road and Millbrook Street , just before 1am on Sunday morning, 19th November 2023.

Two other teenage males, aged 17 and 18, have been arrested on suspicion of GBH with intent and have been bailed for further enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Kristian Burt said: “Although we are in the early stages of our investigation, we have made significant progress already.

“Officers are working hard to piece together the schedule of events that led to this incident, but we still need information from those that were there who saw what happened.

“We know that there was a female witness who was at the junction of Millbrook Street, Landeg Street and Cwm Level Road at the time of the assault. I would ask her to contact us.

“We have also been informed that there were two other people in company of the suspects, at the time of the assault, who have not yet been spoken to by officers. I would urge them to make contact in the meantime to assist the investigation.

“We are trying to understand the motive for this attack and the smallest piece of information could be crucial.

“Even if your information seems insignificant, please do the right thing, and share what you know. If you don’t want to speak directly to officers, please contact Crimestoppers – they won’t even ask your name”.

Anyone with information can contact us by one of the following means quoting occurrence number 2300393655.

🗪 Live Chat https://www.south-wales.police.uk/
📧 Email [email protected]
📞 101

*Always call 999 in an emergency.*

To give information anonymously please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via this link https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/pre-form

Today, Monday 20th November, sees South Wales Police introduce an additional high visibility patrol team to City Centre as part of Operation Viscaria.

The team will be providing a heightened policing presence to act as a deterrent to a range of issues affecting the city centre, including ASB and shoplifting.

From Monday there will be an increased visible police presence in the city centre so those working and visiting the town centre can expect to see additional neighbourhood police officers.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Mark Watkins said: “The behaviour that has been reported to us over the past 6 months in the city centre it totally unacceptable.

“We are introducing this additional high visibility patrol team to make sure that no one who lives, works, or shops in Swansea town centre is subjected to threatening or intimidating behaviour.

“The Op Viscaria team will be given discretionary powers to disperse individuals or groups causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm, or distress to others. It enables officers to issue a dispersal order, which covers a specific area for up to 48 hours, allowing them to instruct individuals, aged 10 or over, to leave the area and not return for a designated period.

“Anti-social behaviour is a priority for us and we’re working together with our partners at Swansea Council and Swansea Bid to deal with the issues.

“ASB and associated criminal activity has a significant detrimental impact on the local community and businesses and we are committed to doing all we can to combat it.”

Officers have issued CCTV imagery of a taxi where they would like to speak with the driver following an assault on a 27 year old man in .

They believe that the taxi driver could have information that will help the investigation.

The assault happened at around 5am on Saturday 23rd September outside the NCP on Kingsway.

Detective Sergeant David Connick said; “The taxi in this still was parked near to where the assault happened in the early hours of that day and we believe the driver may have witnessed the incident and could have information that would assist our investigation.

"If you recognise yourself as the driver of the taxi, please get in touch with us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact us by one of the following means quoting occurrence 2300323825.

🗪 Live Chat https://www.south-wales.police.uk/
📧 Email [email protected]
📞 101

*Always call 999 in an emergency.*

To give information anonymously please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via this link https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/pre-form

| Alex Hutton (also known as Alex Edwards), 18, from Morriston, Swansea, has appeared before the Westminster Magistrates Court charged with:

• Disseminating a terrorist publication on dates between 24 September 2023 and 16 November 2023, contrary to Section 2 of the Terrorism Act 2006,
• Attempting to commit grievous bodily harm with intent on 20th May 2023, contrary to Section1 (1) of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981
• Assault occasioning actual bodily harm on 20th May 2023, contrary to Section 47 Offences Against the Person Act 1861
• Breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order imposed on 9 September 2021, between 1 July 2022 and 15 November 2023, contrary to s.339 Sentencing Act 2020.
• Possessing a bladed article in a public place between 9 November 2023 and 12 November 2023, contrary to Section 139 Criminal Justice Act 1988.

Hutton appeared in Court on Saturday 18th November 2023. He was further remanded into custody and will appear before the Central Criminal Court on November 24.

The investigation is continuing and there is no identified risk to the public.

Anyone who sees or hears something that could be terrorist-related should act on their instincts and call the police in confidence on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999. Visit https://gov.uk/ACT for more information, including how to report extremist or terrorist content that is online.

The Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) have been carrying out speeding operations in various locations throughout and as a result of concerns raised by the community of vehicles speeding and motorbikes causing ASB.

Following reports of vehicle’s causing ASB in the community, the & Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) have removed a vehicle off the road which was being used by an uninsured driver who also had no licence.