A Pembroke man has been sentenced to six months in prison after he was found guilty of six offences including metal thefts.
Josh Hart, aged 19, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates court on Thursday (January 14). He pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary, two attempted burglaries and asked for a further eight offences to be taken into consideration including seven burglaries and one theft. All the burglaries related to non-dwelling properties.
Hart was arrested along with two others, a 19-year-old male and 20-year-old female, after Dyfed Powys Police officers executed a search warrant under the Theft Act at a property in Pembroke earlier this month.
The three were arrested on suspicion of stealing metal in the county following a number of thefts and burglaries across South Pembrokeshire where copper piping, cable and lead have been stolen from public toilets, new build properties, and derelict buildings.
The trio admitted to 18 offences in total, including: 13 counts of burglary, two attempted burglaries and four counts of handling stolen goods. The other two defendants will be dealt with at a later date.
Inspector Anthony Griffiths, said: “Metal thefts across Pembrokeshire have risen in recent months and this custodial sentence along with the two arrests are a significant step in tackling the problem, and sends out a clear message that offenders will go to prison.
“Metal prices have risen recently and thieves have been risking public safety and their own lives by targeting electricity pylons and railway tracks.
“Anyone who thinks they can steal metal in Pembrokeshire and get away with it are very much mistaken as highlighted by this sentence. Officers are vigilant to these types of crimes and will robustly investigate any leads.
“I would urge anyone who sees anything suspicious, or believes that a metal theft is taking place or suspects one has occurred, to contact police immediately on 999 in an emergency, or on 101 in non-emergencies.”
