A guiding light of the Homewatch scheme in Llanelli has been rewarded for his dedication.

Tony Chappell (third from the left) is awarded his certificate by Assistant Chief Constable Barry Taylor,
 Inspector Peter Westlake (far Right) and former community safety officer Gawin Rhydderch (left)

Tony Chappell, a 39 year old resident of Llanerch, has been given a commendation thanks to an outstanding contribution to the scheme since his introduction just two years ago.

He is the sole volunteer within the entirety of Dyfed-Powys policing zone to have had such a recognition bestowed upon him.

Mr Chappell, whose position as area coordinator takes him from Kidwelly to Pontarddulais, is delighted to have scooped the honour. He said " The award is not just for me but for everyone involved in home watch. the relationship that we have with the police is first class".

Modest Tony decided to help the initiative following an increase of crime within his own community which even saw an attack on his own car.. Since his time at the helm the number of Homewatch organisations within the local area has increased by over 100.

The crime buster explains "We go out to the communities and provide information on Crime Prevention techniques, bogus callers and ultra violet markers. However the scheme is not just about fighting crime, it's also about bringing the communities to gether. Community spirit has been missing for a long time but it is now coming back. In the past we have organised events such as 'How do you do?' evenings so that neighbours can get to know each other."

Furthermore, the junior homewatch scheme is also currently thriving thanks to the sterling work undertaken and the cooperation between representatives of the initiative and the police.

Llanelli appears to be in safe hands.

February Update - Press release

Llanelli Crime Prevention Panel has a new Chairman Mr Tim Day, Head teacher of Glan Y Mor Comprehensive, Burry Port. 

Mr Day chaired the first meeting of 2001 on Tuesday 20th February at Llanelli Police Station. He thanked his predecessor Mr Roger Rees for the hard work that had put into his term of office. 

Mr Day then emphasised the amount of work that had been initiated and completed by the panel over the last couple of years, which was begun when Mr Rhodri Fowler was chair. This included "Door chain campaign", "Underage drinking" posters, the continuing success of "Bobby Busters", flyers informing the public of the workings of the Llanelli Crime Prevention Panel. Mr Day also mentioned that the Panel was able to mount a stand at the National Eisteddfod. 

He also felt that he must mention the web site set up by one of the panel members Mr lain Sewell that is available to all to "surf'. He felt that the layout was excellent and very informative. He added that none of these could have been attained without the help of many outside bodies and wished to thank them. 

The Panel had to continue with such good work Mr Day from a personal point of view, felt that two areas, which the Panel should be considering, were working along side the Social Services and the Health authority, as this may be the area where the Panel will be of assistance. The next Panel meeting is at 6 pm on Tuesday 13 th March 2001 

Yours faithfully, Gawin Rhydderch (I'M BACK) Press Officer

Poster Competition - the Winning Entries (Dec 2000)

An excellent set of over 100 entries were received for our competition. 
In fact - so good were the entries that our Sponsor Oakwood elected to provide an additional prize for runner up entries. The winners were chosen by Mr Ian Fisher of the Graphics Department.

Special congratulations to Richard Brice the overall winner who won tickets to Oakwood for his family, and a cheque for £50 to his School Ysgol Parc y Tywyn at Furnace. All the entries can be seen at the Llanelli Star offices in Llanelli.

1st Prize	Runner Up  &  Highly Commended	Runner Up  &  Highly Commended
Richard Brice Ysgol Parc y Twywn Furnace (Free family ticket  to Pantomime at Oakwood)	Huw Rumble Ysgol Parc y Tywyn  Furnace (Free Entrance to Crystal Maze)	Ashley Jones Ysgol y Castell Kidwelly (Free Entrance to Crystal Maze)

National Eisteddfod Report
August 4th - 12th 2000.

I have great pleasure in forwarding this brief report to you concerning the week of the Eisteddfod.

The whole week has proved to be a great success. The work of the panel was highlighted throughout the weeks events, with in excess of over 4,000 members of the public seeking information, regarding the work of the panel in the Llanelli area.

Advice was given out in relation to Crime Prevention to the very young and also the elderly. Supporting us throughout the week were the Llanelli Victim Support, along with Home Watch and Dyfed-Powys Police who we must thank for allowing us to use their exhibition area.

First of all I would like to extend my thanks to Mr Allan Davies ( treasurer), who on many occasions did not hesitate to inform the general public as to how the panel along with its members are able to serve the local communities.

During the time that I was present with Allan, there were many interesting moments, one of which was that after a conversation about crime prevention etc etc, we have both received an invitation to holiday in Barcelona by two teachers visiting the Eisteddfod. It is our  intention to visit La Ramblas in Barcelona to set up a stall during the last two weeks of August 2001!! We want to inform the panel that those wishing to join us will have to bring their own Bikini's and sun hats, more information on this venture is to follow.

One of the major successful day's during the Eisteddfod, must be when Mr Rhoddri Fowler became the Sheriff of our tent. Rhoddri would speak to many who visited our tent, using the medium of Welsh, giving out crime prevention advice and explained the work of the panel. After Rhoddri had finished he would then hand them over to me in order that I could explain as to how Home Watch plays a vital role within the Community. During the day many youngsters were given road safety advice, and advice on "Not talking to strangers". Rhoddri would encourage the youngsters to sit and listen to what was being said and this resulted in many youngsters receiving important and vital information. I would like to thank you Rhoddri for all your hard work and support.

I would be failing if I did not give a mention to the ladies who also gave their valuable time up to assist on our stand. Mrs Anne Reynolds Home Watch Secretary, and Mrs Judith Jenkins. It was both a privilege and pleasure working with both of them. They were instrumental in encouraging the public to think about carrying out s' le and effective crime prevention work in order to protect their property and homes.

This has now resulted in many enquiries being received by local beat officers encouraging local communities to work in partnership with the Police. I thank you both for your hard work that has proved to be very fruitful.

The Home Watch, I am pleased to inform you has revived in total Twenty Five Home Watch contacts. Two of which are in relation to the setting up of Junior Home Watch's. Mr Ken Rees has now been appointed honorary member of the traffic department of the Police force due to the amount of people that he encouraged to have their eye sight tested. Mr Rees encouraged civic dignitaries to visit our stand in order that they can experience at first hand the work of the local organisations within the tent, in order to highlight the work that is being carried out within the communities in relation to the reduction of crime. many thanks Ken for your support during the week.

Brief Summery.

In closing the Eisteddfod has proved to be a resounding success in many ways, importantly the Llanelli Crime Prevention Panel will be seen to be a formidable force within the community of Llanelli, working in partnership with other organisations to create a safer environment for all to live and work.

Best Regards

Tony Chappell Panel Member.