South Wales Police

POLICE in Cardiff are appealing for information regarding a distraction burglary in Penylan, Cardiff.

The incident happened at the home of an elderly couple in Birchwood Road at approximately 10.45am on Tuesday, May 8.

An 81-year-old woman was at home alone when a man rang her door bell claiming that his niece had thrown a ball into her back garden.

He asked if he could collect it but was refused. The lady then went to her back garden where she met another man who she had not seen before.

He offered to cut her lawn and carry out repairs to her wall which she politely refused.

He left after asking for a glass of water and the woman, suspicious of their behaviour, reported the matter to police.

It was later discovered that several items had been disturbed upstairs and a quantity of cash stolen from her handbag.

The first male is described as white, with bristly ginger-ish hair which was thinning or balding. He is described as a bit plump, of average height, with a possible Irish accent and was aged in his 30s.

The second male is described as white, younger, skinny, of gaunt appearance with neat dark hair. He spoke with an unknown accent and wore blue jeans and a dark long sleeved.

DC Phil Dallyn from Rumney CID said: "These two men have been cruel and cowardly and would appeal for anyone with information to contact us.

"Residents are reminded that although such incidents are rare, they should be suspicious of any unknown callers at the homes and not to allow strangers inside."

A full investigation is on-going and extra patrols are being carried out in the area.

Police are appealing with anyone with information on this incident to contact Rumney CID on 029 2077 4233 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ADVICE:

Distraction burglars use a variety of tactics to deceive the victim to get into their home to steal valuables. They often claim to be from the water board, electricity company, local council or other organisations and they will try to pressurise or confuse the person who answers the door.
When a stranger calls at your door, follow the Police Doorstep Code:
. When someone unexpectedly calls at your door, take a look out of the window. If you do not recognise them, don't open your door to them.
. Make sure both your front and back doors are locked.
. If you do not have a card, ask them to post their details through your door but do not open your door.
. If you don't know them, ask them to leave.
. If the person refuses to go away, ring South Wales Police immediately on 101 and report it to them. Try to provide a description of the person, vehicle or anything else suspicious.
. Talk to your family and friends about this caller and consider talking to your neighbours about any suspicious activity just in case the same scam is tried on the

POLICE in Cardiff are re-appealing for information regarding a rape in Butetown, Cardiff.

A 43-year-old woman was sexually and physically assaulted in a subway between Lloyd George Avenue and Bute Street as she walked to a friend’s house in Cardiff Bay.

The victim has described to officers how she feared that she was going to be found dead after the ordeal.
CCTV of the suspect is due to be shown on an ITV Crimestoppers appeal this weekend as detectives continue to trace the person responsible.

Detective Inspector Noel Harris said: "This was a terrifying incident for the woman. An incident room has been set up and extensive enquiries have been conducted since the incident occurred at about 6.20am on Sunday, April 22.

“CCTV shows that the suspect walked from the bay area back into the city centre after the assault and then out of the city along North Road speaking to a number of people along the way.”

The suspect is known to asked people for a cigarette and at times appeared to be upset.

DI Harris added “We are particularly keen to trace the driver of a dark coloured VW Polo or Golf who was spoken to by the suspect as he waited at traffic lights at Callaghan Square – perhaps he asked the driver for directions or for a cigarette.

“I am keen for anybody who has spoken to this individual or may know of his identity to contact the police.”

The suspect is described as having tanned skin, of stocky build, with blue eyes and dark hair.

He was wearing a ‘puffa’ jacket which had a fur trim around the hood, is aged in his late 20s or 30s and is described as speaking broken English.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Fairwater CID on 02920 527 248 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

POLICE investigating the murder of 68-year-old Peter Lewis in the Roath area of Cardiff during the early hours of Saturday 28th April 2012 have charged a 31-year-old local man with murder.
He is due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates Court on Thursday, May 3.
The public have thanked for their support and assistance during this investigation.

Claude Road murder: Community raise money in memory of victim

THE family of Peter Lewis has thanked the community for the support and kindness that has been shown to them.

In a statement, they said: “Peter, a committed Christian, was a light in everyone’s life. Now we will pick up the torch and his light will carry on.”

Mr Lewis, 68, died of the single stab wound in the early hours of Saturday, April 28 following an incident at a communal hallway of a property in Claude Road.

Police are continuing to appeal for information and support the family of Mr Lewis who are being kept fully updated by family liaison officers.

The family has also thanked Sainsbury on Colchester Avenue, Penylan, where from today (Thursday, May 3) staff are collecting money in Mr Lewis’ memory.

Helen Park from the store said: “Peter has been shopping at our store every Thursday afternoon for many years and we are deeply saddened by the tragic loss.

“He was always jolly and friendly and knew many staff by their name. As he has been a loyal customer, and friend, for several years we wanted to do something in his memory. “

Collection buckets with Mr Lewis’ photo are in the store with all money raised going to three charities requested by his family – Causeway Prospects, Cardiff People First, and Ategi Home.

In addition, an on-line fundraising page has been set up at www.justgiving.com/sadlymissed and a poem, written by member of staff Larry Bowen, is also on display at the store.

Divisional Commander for Cardiff, Chief Superintendent Alun Thomas said: “It is quite clear how well liked Mr Lewis was and the impact he made on people he met in Roath and the wider community.

“It is as times like this the people of Cardiff come together and support each other as one family.

“The contribution of the public in Cardiff is crucial at this time both in terms of the investigation and also in supporting the family and friends of Mr Lewis.

“I once again thank everyone across the city for their support during this very difficult time.”

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact the incident room at Cardiff Central Police Station on 02920 571530 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

* A 31-year-old man has been charged with murder and is due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court today.

The poem written by member of staff Larry Bowen is as follows:
 

 ‘Thursdays are not going to be the same’

                In memory of Peter

Thursdays are not going to be the same

For us here in the store,

Thursdays are not going to be the same

Because you’re not visiting anymore

No more chats, no more jokes,

No more smiles, no more hugs

What’s happened has touched us all

Oh how the heartstrings tug

But now you’re safe and in gods hands,

At peace and at rest

A gentleman in everyway

One of the best.

Colchester Avenue will miss you

And time will ease the pain

Thursdays will never be the same

Never the same again.

SOUTH Wales Police has launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in the Roath area of Cardiff earlier today.

The incident happened in Claude Road at around 2.45am on Saturday, April 28.

Police wish to trace a man who was seen in nearby Oakfield Street at around the time of the incident.

He is described as white, wearing a light-coloured hooded top and trainers, and was running in the direction of Newport Road.

Officers want to hear from this man or anyone who may have seen him.

They are also appealing for information from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in Claude Road and Oakfield Street areas on Saturday morning between 1am and 3am.

 A major incident room has been set up at Cardiff Central Police Station and the investigation is being led by Detective Superintendent Stuart McKenzie.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact the Incident Room at Cardiff Central Police Station on 02920 571530 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Ends.

The latest crime figures released today (April 19th) show the streets of South Wales are still getting safer with a 6,6% drop in crime across the region in 2011.

The figures, released by the Home Office (for the 12 month period to December 2011) reveal that overall, crime in the South Wales Police area has fallen by 6.6%.

This is equivalent to 6,354 fewer victims of crime or more than 17 fewer victims every day, marking South Wales Police as having the fifth biggest reduction in crime overall of the 43 forces in England and Wales.

Criminal damage has dropped significantly by 15.9% - the highest reduction in England and Wales.

The number of homes burgled reduced by 6.6% and robberies fell by 11.6%.

Assistant Chief Constable Julian Kirby said: “The reality of these figures is that fewer people are becoming victims of crime.

“6,354 fewer people became a victim of crime over the period and I commend our staff who have worked hard to deliver this fantastic performance.

“This has been another challenging year for the organisation due to the budget cuts, but we have never been more focused on the job in hand. We are changing the organisation for the better to ensure we work smarter and faster, there when the public needs us and arresting criminals to go before the courts.

“This includes making changes to our staff structures so officers are in the best place to deal with incidents and investigate them. Today’s figures also show more crimes are being solved.

“We will not stop targeting people who drive up crime by repeatedly committing offences and behaving anti-socially. They should know that we will not leave them alone and there is always a space in our cells for them, but we are working with our partners and the probation service to help them find another path away from crime.

“We will carry on trying to prevent incidents before they happen through education and raising awareness, but we can’t do it alone.

“We hope the public will continue to support us by calling 101 to pass on information they have about crime, suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour in their area.”

Additional Information:

Recorded crime down 6.6% (5th biggest reduction)

Latest figures reveal there were 6,354 fewer victims of crime

Robbery down 11.6% (11th biggest reduction)

Dwelling burglaries down 6.6% (18th biggest reduction)

Vehicle crime down 14.2% (6th biggest reduction)

Criminal damage down 15.9% (*Highest reduction in the country)

Assault with injury down 11.2% (11th biggest reduction)

Sanction detection rate up by 0.8%, from 31.4% to 33.1%

POLICE in Cardiff are investigating an attempted robbery and assault which occurred in the Splott area on Wednesday evening (April 11th).

At around 11.30pm, the male victim was walking along Sanquhar Street near the Lidl store towards East Tyndall Street when he was approached by three men and a woman.

The group demanded money from him before trying to steal his wallet.

The victim was then assaulted and suffered a broken arm and facial injuries. He was conveyed to UHW for treatment.

Officers are conducting CCTV enquiries and wish to appeal to the public for information.

DC Liz Lumsden from Cardiff Bay CID said: “Enquiries are ongoing to trace the people responsible.

“This incident was totally unprovoked and whilst it is fortunate no property was stolen, the victim has suffered painful injuries.

“We’re appealing to anyone who can recall being out in the area who may have seen or heard anything, or anyone who may have information about the perpetrators to contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Liz Lumsden at Cardiff Bay CID on 029 20527420, or call 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

A CHARITY football match between South Wales Police and Cardiff City has raised more than £2,000 for the Noah’s Ark Appeal.

The teams made up of police officers and Bluebird legends played at the Millennium Stadium yesterday evening (Wednesday, April 11) with the former professionals winning 3-1.

Former players that took part included Scott Young, Derek Brazil, Christian Roberts and Roger Gibbins. Jason Fowler, Damon Searle and Paul Evans scored for the Cardiff City Legends while Pc Mike Sullivan scored a wonder goal for South Wales Police.

Sgt Gary Evans, from the Llanedeyrn and Llanishen Neighbourhood Policing Team, who played in the game said: “It was a well contested game but the class and skill of the Cardiff City Legends shone through in the end.”

Divisional Commander of Eastern BCU (Cardiff) Chief Superintendent Alun Thomas added: “The Noah’s Ark Appeal is the official charity of the Children’s Hospital for Wales and is this year’s chosen charity of the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Llanedeyrn and Llanishen who organised this event.

“Wales undoubtedly has a strong sporting and charity ethic and this event benefits a unique charity and more importantly the children who the charity supports with such care.
“I am enormously grateful to the Millennium Stadium for letting us play at this wonderful stadium and also the officers and footballers for giving up their own time and energy to support this worthy cause.”

HSBC are also thanked for matching the bucket collection pound for pound.

The game is one of a series of fundraising events planned this year by the Llanedeyrn and Llanishen Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Log onto www.ourbobby.com and follow @swpeast on Twitter for information on further events and opportunities to support the team and Noah’s Ark Appeal.

POLICE in Cardiff are continuing to investigate three burglaries reported in Roath over the weekend.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the break-ins and information on the whereabouts of a number of distinctive items.

Homes in Orbit Street and Bedford Street were broken into on Sunday while a flat in Claude Road was burgled on Saturday morning when the front door was forced open.

It is a believed a pillowcase with a butterfly design was used to steal items, including an Xbox, iPod, and Top Man cardigan, from the ground floor flat in Claude Road.

Also stolen were Rolo, Kit Kat and Little Britain mugs.

The following day two further burglaries were reported in Orbit Street and Bedford Street.

Significant items stolen include:

Lenovo Thinkpad
Sony Vaio laptop
HTC Touch mobile phone
Sony video camera in a grey and black case.
PlayStation 3
Toshiba laptop
Accurist man’s watch
Fuji Fine Pixel camera.
iPod Touch with pink cover
Detective Sergeant Stuart Wales said: “Being a victim of a burglar is a traumatic experience and therefore reducing and detecting these offences is a priority for South Wales Police.

“We are carrying out enquiries into each of these burglaries but would very much appreciate the help of the public.

“People can help by reporting any suspicious behaviour they might have noticed in these streets over the weekend, particularly in Claude Road where we think a decorate pillowcase has been used to steal property.

“We are equally keen to hear from anyone who knows where these stolen items might be. It could be that they have been offered for sale somewhere.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cardiff CID on 02920 527 420 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

POLICE in Cardiff have carried out a day of action raising awareness of hate crime across the city.

Officers from the Community Safety Department visited almost 200 addresses on Thursday advising residents and businesses on how to report hate crime and offering reassurance.

Hate incidents or crime are those which are perceived by the victim, or any other person, to have been motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone’s race, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or their perceived identity.

Hate crime officer PC Jason Coultis said: “Cardiff is a modern, multi-cultural city where people of different religions, faiths and cultures live side by side and have done for many, many years but as with all big cities there are sporadic incidents of hate crime.

“Unfortunately we know that many hate crimes still go unreported so we are always working hard to encourage victims to contact us so we can offer them support and deal with the perpetrator.”

Around 80 to 100 hate incidents or crimes are reported in Cardiff each month.

The majority, an estimated 60 to 70 per cent, are verbal abuse often committed by intoxicated people towards night-time economy workers such as taxi drivers and food outlet staff.

Other incidents can include assault and criminal damage such as graffiti, smashed windows, and vehicle damage.

Yesterday’s operation focussed on Ely, Fairwater and Cardiff Bay but there are plans to visit other police sectors in coming months.

Pc Coultis added: “Overall the feedback from the public was positive. Those we visited appreciated officers simply calling in to see how they were and if they had any issues.”

Hate crime can be reported in a number of ways:

Contact the police on 101 (or 999 in an emergency)

Report online via the www.saferwales.com website

Third party reporting centres. Local agencies, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, can report the incident and provide advice and support.

Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.