Dyfed-Powys Police have revealed that 368 fines have been handed out since the coronavirus legislation came into force last month, with one-third of the fixed penalty notices issued during the Easter bank holiday weekend.

Despite people continuing with attempts to flout current restrictions in place to combat the COVID-19 crisis, Dyfed-Powys Police has seen a massive reduction of crime during the pandemic, figures released last week by the National Police Chief’s Council show - with a 35 per cent reduction in crime-related demand compared to the same period last year, higher than the national average of 28 per cent.

The latest cases of motorists breaking non-essential travel guidelines that police officers have had to deal with in the area include a driver and passenger being stopped in Kilgetty after journeying some 120 miles from Bristol to Pembrokeshire to look at a puppy; a vehicle that was found to be uninsured stopped in St Clears that was making a trip from Birmingham to pick-up friends in Haverfordwest; and a motorcyclist that was stopped at Penblewin roundabout with the rider stating that he was heading to Fishguard to take some photos!

“The figures released this week reflect the work that has gone into ensuring that we do all we can to protect our communities across the four counties we serve,” said Chief Constable Mark Collins.

“Whilst our population number in relative terms is small, we cover half of the landmass of Wales. Annually we welcome more than ten million people to our area, and while together with our partners we have said for now, our counties are closed, some people haven’t listened to this and have continued to put communities and the NHS at risk.

“My officers have been out there, since the legislation was introduced, working hard to engage and educate those who are out and about with no reasonable excuse.

“The need for us all to do this is clear – we are being asked to stay at home and limit our movement, in order that we can relieve pressure on our NHS, and ultimately provide people with a better opportunity to survive, should they be infected with the virus.

“The vast majority of our communities are complying with what we have all been asked to do, and I hope discussion today in relation to the action we have taken against those who risk putting us all in danger, sends a sign that Dyfed-Powys Police will do all we can to help this national effort succeed,” he added.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn stated that the figures show the exceptional proactive work of Dyfed Powys Police in responding to the COVID-19 Emergency.

“I have been impressed with the level of activity across the Force area during this critical time and I would like to publicly thank officers, staff and volunteers working hard to safeguard our communities,” he remarked.

“I am also proud of the majority of the public who have responded positively to the guidelines and have shown resolve and patients during this difficult time.

“In terms of the workforce abstraction rate and overall change to crime related demand, it is very pleasing and reassuring to see that we compare well to the national averages”.

On Friday, April 17 Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire Roads Policing Unit revealed that they had stopped an uninsured driver with a passenger on the A477 near Kilgetty that afternoon, who had travelled from Bristol to the area with the purpose of looking at a puppy they were intending on buying.

The driver was reported for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and while uninsured, Checks on the driver and passenger showed neither held current driving licences, and the vehicle was seized. Both were reported for non-essential travel.

The previous day, patrols reported that a motorbike rider had been stopped shortly after 1 pm on the A40 just outside Penblewin, with officers discovering he had come from the Bonymaen area and was heading to Fishguard to take some photographs. He was reported and turned around.

During the early hours of Saturday the occupant of a vehicle which was stop checked in St. Clears, was arrested after a substantial quantity of cocaine was seized.

The lone occupant of the vehicle was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession with intent to supply.

Another vehicle stopped on the A40 at St Clears on Saturday was seized after police checks showed the driver not to be on the insurance policy

The occupants were subsequently reported for non-essential travel after stating to officers that they’d travelled from Birmingham to collect friends in Haverfordwest.

Checks showed the driver not to be on the insurance policy. Driver reported for no insurance, occupants reported for non-essential travel.

As well as main roads and routes into Pembrokeshire, police officers have been busy continuing with patrols of beauty spots to ensure that everyone is adhering to the lockdown rules, and responded on the weekend following reports of motorists believed to be racing in areas such as Castlemartin, Freshwater West and Stackpole.