Police and Crime
Newly trained dogs heading for prison wings to sniff out illegal drugs
The new pack adds to the 630 dogs already in place across the estate which have proven to be crucial in the battle to keep illegal drugs, phones and tobacco out of our prisons.
In the past year alone more than 2,000 illegal items, including over 100 kilograms of drugs such as heroin, cannabis and spice, have been stopped from getting onto the wings by drug dogs currently in post. The new dogs are expected to aid this work even further.
Over 50 prisons, including Swansea and Cardiff are set to receive their new additions by March next year – with Bedford, Lewes, Norwich, Rochester and The Mount among the first in line. Each dog will be paired with their own dedicated handler, specially trained in detecting contraband items and further boosting the frontline.
– 176 new drug-dogs trained to stop illegal items entering the most challenging prisons
– 1000s of items, including sim cards and spice, diverted by dogs each year
– part of the government’s £100 million package to bolster security in prisons
Prisons and Probation Minister, Lucy Frazer, said: “The smuggling of contraband into prisons puts hardworking staff at risk and undermines attempts to rehabilitate offenders.
“These dogs and their handlers will make prisons safer, more secure and ultimately better environments for rehabilitation.”
Training for the latest cohort is currently underway, with the dogs having to complete multiple courses and assessments before being posted to the frontline. Their handlers, who are trained prison officers, will also have vigorous training and be re-assessed with the dogs yearly.
Drug dog handler, Nick Hayes who is based at The Mount, said: “Drugs dogs are a great proactive tactic to address the conveyance of illicit items into our prisons.
“They are a force for good and such a powerful tool which can be used to keep all of us who live and work across the estate safe.”
The dogs and handlers are being funded by the government’s £2.75 billion commitment to transform the prison estate. This includes:
- £100 million to bolster prison security, clamping down on contraband such as drugs, weapons, and mobile phones that fuel violence, self-harm and crime behind bars
- £2.5 billion to provide 10,000 additional prison places and create modern, efficient jails that rehabilitate offenders, reduce reoffending and keep the public safe
- £156 million to tackle the most pressing maintenance issues to create safe and decent conditions for offender rehabilitation.
South Wales Police have stood down an investigation into an alleged assault of a 15 year-old girl at Killay Shopping Precinct in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
A section outside a number of shops on Gower Road were cordoned off for much of Wednesday which investigations into the alleged assault took place.
While recognising the alarm caused by the alleged assault, South Wales Police have since released a statement saying that they are “no longer appealing for information to locate a suspect”.
“An extensive and thorough investigation has taken place into the alleged incident on Wednesday, October 13, and officers are now satisfied the incident was not as reported”, the statement added.
Detective Sergeant Meirian Evans said: “ We appreciate the alleged incident will have caused alarm within the local community, however I would like to reassure the public that reports of this nature are always taken seriously and are fully investigated.”
(Lead image: Google Maps)
South Wales Police are appealing for information after a 15 year-old girl was reportedly assaulted in the early hours of Wednesday morning (13 October).
The incident took place at around 2.10am near the Co-op store on Gower Road.
A police cordon near the store remained throughout much of the day as officers continued to investigate.
Police are asking anyone who was in the vicinity of the Co-op around the time of the incident, or have any other information that could assist the investigation to contact them quoting reference 2100359077.
(Lead image: Google Maps)
A partnership which aims to encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community to report hate crimes has been launched by South Wales Police and the SWP LGBT+ Network.
The scheme brings South Wales Police together with LGBTQ+ Cardiff-based venues to tackle the stigma of hate crimes and ensure the community are reporting incidents.
Mary’s, Pulse, The Kings, The Golden Cross, Main Stage and Eagle have all signed up to host Cuppa with a Copper; where a South Wales Police officer will be available for people to come and report any issues they may have or for a friendly chat.
Superintendent Jason Rees said: “Reporting rates are increasing but still remain low. We are working to increase awareness of hate crimes and encourage victims and witnesses to come forward.
“My colleagues and I are here and are willing to talk, listen and be proactive with the community’s concerns and needs.”
This scheme is piloting within Cardiff’s LGBTQ+ night-time economy but the team behind it want to expand around South Wales and in other locations.
Superintendent Jason Rees, who is the Operational Lead for Hate Crime continues: “By creating this partnership, we hope it shows the community that we are here to help keep them safe and deal with any issues that they may have. We hope that as a result of this partnership we can welcome more LGBTQ+ businesses and clubs on board.”
Haydn Price, owner of Eagle bar said: “A partnership such as this is an important and very sensible move. Our customers talk to us about what’s going on, we’re a small and friendly bar, but sometimes they get too frightened to speak up.
“Regardless of their sexuality or background we want anyone feel happy and safe to come in, mingle with officers from the partnership, talk freely and not have any concerns.
“We will be posting about the Cuppa with a Copper on our social media so people know where to come and feel happy to do so.”
Information about the Cuppa with a Copper sessions will be posted on South Wales Police social media channels as well as the relevant venue’s accounts. They are open to anyone who wishes to have a chat.
(Lead image: South Wales Police)
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