A woman suffered minor injuries after her handbag was snatched during the early hours in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, as she returned home from a night out with colleagues. The incident has raised concerns about public safety in the town, particularly for those walking alone late at night.
The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly speaking to her boyfriend on her mobile phone as she made her way near Llanelli’s Eastgate bus station just before midnight on Friday, 20th June. It was at this point that she noticed a man, later identified as Jake Dighton, age 31, following in the same direction.
According to testimony heard at Swansea Crown Court on 25th July, the woman became uneasy as Dighton continued nearby. She slowed her pace in an attempt to create distance between herself and the stranger, then crossed the road. When Dighton turned into a side street, she hoped he was heading away from her, so she continued her walk home along Glenalla Road.
It was there, only moments later, that the woman felt a sudden yank on her handbag strap, pulling her backwards and causing her to fall to the ground. Reports indicate she sustained cuts and bruises from the fall. As she tried to regain her footing, Dighton made off with her bag, disappearing into the night.
Undeterred by her injuries, the victim attempted to give chase but quickly lost sight of the thief. After the ordeal, she made her way home and immediately contacted the police to report the robbery.
South Wales Police responded by launching a public appeal for information. Officers also conducted comprehensive CCTV reviews and went door-to-door canvassing residents for potential eyewitness accounts in the area. The intensive investigation soon bore fruit. Surveillance footage from nearby cameras provided key visual evidence, capturing Dighton both before and after the offence.
Using the gathered evidence, officers tracked the suspect to St Elli’s Church in Llanelli, where Dighton was discovered residing in a tent on the church grounds. He was promptly arrested in connection with the robbery and charged, before being remanded in custody while awaiting sentencing.
Robbery in public spaces, especially at night, remains a persistent worry across many Welsh communities. Local authorities have reiterated the importance of vigilance and advised residents to be mindful of their surroundings when travelling alone, particularly during late hours.
Dighton, whose listed address is Bridge Street, Llanelli, admitted to the robbery charge when brought before the court. His sentencing is expected later this year. The case has drawn attention to broader issues around homelessness, as Dighton had been living rough at the time of the offence.
Community leaders have called for increased security measures in the town centre and have encouraged anyone with information about suspicious activity to come forward promptly. Meanwhile, police efforts to improve public safety include regular patrols and ongoing collaboration with local organisations.
The victim has since been recovering from her minor physical injuries, but the emotional impact of such incidents often resonates long after. Local support services and victim support organisations continue to offer assistance to those affected by crime in Llanelli and the wider region.