**Police Urge Revocation of Merthyr Tydfil Pub Landlord’s Licence Following Allegation of Handling Stolen Goods**
Authorities in Merthyr Tydfil have launched a call for the revocation of a local pub’s licence after serious allegations surfaced regarding the landlord’s involvement in handling stolen items. South Wales Police have expressed grave concerns over the management and oversight at the Wyndham Arms, located on Glebeland Street, and have formally requested the council to review the status of the premises and its designated supervisor.
The focus of the inquiry is Kevin Jones, the licence-holder and designated premises supervisor at the Wyndham Arms. Police allege that Mr Jones was caught on CCTV buying stolen goods from a known repeat shoplifter in March of this year. According to the police report, footage captured a shoplifter removing multiple pieces of meat from his rucksack, placing them in a van parked nearby. After the incident, the suspect was detained by officers for separate retail theft offences.
Further examination revealed that the van involved in the exchange was registered to Mr Jones, who admitted during police questioning that he had made a purchase from the shoplifter. Subsequent searches of the van uncovered not only meat but also a considerable haul of other goods, including boxes of washing pods and several bottles of wine. The total value of the suspicious items recovered was estimated at around £100. Notably, Mr Jones was reportedly unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for possession of these goods.
Following the incident, Mr Jones was interviewed voluntarily at Merthyr police station under suspicion of handling stolen property. The police stated that Mr Jones made a candid admission of purchasing the items, acknowledging both the dishonest nature of the transaction and his responsibilities as the designated supervisor of the premises. This admission, combined with his prior police warning in October 2024 over links to persistent criminal activity involving stolen merchandise, has led authorities to question the integrity of the pub’s leadership.
The ongoing police investigation seeks to establish an appropriate outcome for the alleged handling of stolen goods, with officers assembling evidence for potential charges. In their submission to the local council, police have emphasised a distinct lack of confidence in the current management, portraying the situation as indicative of wider and ongoing issues with criminal activity related to the venue.
Law enforcement have underscored their belief that the Wyndham Arms has developed a reputation among local shoplifters as a reliable outlet for selling stolen goods. According to their evidence, council-run CCTV has documented a pattern of similar incidents over several years, painting a picture of the pub as a central exchange point for illicitly obtained items.
In particular, police highlighted two recent cases to support their claims. On 19 June 2024, a prolific shoplifter was seen outside the establishment with a box of Jameson’s whiskey, which was later confirmed as stolen from a local supermarket. CCTV captured pub patrons examining the bottles, purchasing some, and transferring them to their vehicles. A further episode took place in October 2024, when suspects sold a bag of stolen steaks outside the venue, goods which were subsequently transported inside by a customer.
Council public protection officials have also added their voice to the chorus of concern, noting the substantial resources invested in supporting local businesses blighted by persistent shoplifting. Paul Lewis, head of public protection at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, warned that the involvement of a premises supervisor in such transactions could facilitate further criminality and deter ongoing efforts to tackle theft in the retail sector.
In their submission, South Wales Police have urged local councillors to consider severe penalties, including the full revocation of the premises licence or, at the very least, the removal of Mr Jones from his supervisory and personal licence roles. The force is adamant that strong action is necessary to halt what they describe as a “go-to” site for the distribution and sale of stolen goods.
A decision on the council’s response is expected when the statutory licensing committee convenes on 2 July. In the meantime, the matter has prompted broader discussion about the impact of organised shoplifting on local businesses and the measures required to safeguard the integrity of licensed premises across Merthyr Tydfil.