Retail businesses in Pembroke Dock are being targeted by a wave of shoplifting that has prompted Dyfed-Powys Police to list shop theft among its active neighbourhood priorities for the Pembroke St. Mary North policing area.
The force's publicly updated priorities page records a high volume of thefts from shops in Pembroke Dock, with officers pledging high-visibility patrols to deter shoplifting and to identify the people responsible. The concern sits alongside a broader antisocial behaviour picture in the town that was the subject of a Dyfed-Powys Connects community update published on 4 August 2026.
Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. For small and independent retailers, each incident adds directly to their costs at a time when many high streets are already under financial pressure. Businesses that experience repeat theft can find it difficult to absorb losses and may be forced to raise prices or reduce opening hours.
How Shops Can Protect Themselves
Dyfed-Powys Police encourage retailers to review their security arrangements, ensure CCTV systems are recording clearly, and report all incidents, no matter how minor they may seem. Consistent reporting builds a picture of offending patterns that helps officers target their patrols more effectively.
The force's 2026 Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan notes that retail crime across the Pembrokeshire area runs at a broadly consistent rate through the year, with the volume of offences slightly lower on Sundays, likely reflecting shorter trading hours rather than any reduction in criminal intent.
Anyone who witnesses a theft in progress should call 999 immediately. Non-emergency reports of retail crime can be made to Dyfed-Powys Police on 101 or via the online reporting form at dyfed-powys.police.uk. Businesses can also speak directly to their local neighbourhood policing team by messaging through the Dyfed-Powys Connects platform.
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