New policing strategy focuses on community engagement and crime prevention

A new policing strategy in Dyfed-Powys is set to prioritize community engagement and early intervention in an effort to restore faith in the police and address crime at its roots.

This approach is part of a renewed effort to enhance community safety and reduce crime in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys.

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The Dyfed-Powys Police force, covering half of Wales’ landmass, is rolling out a fresh strategy that emphasizes early intervention, prevention, and engagement. This initiative aims to tackle the root causes of crime and antisocial behavior through collaboration with local residents, businesses, and public services.

Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis highlighted the significance of this strategy, stating: “...increased focus on prevention with the aim of reducing victim and offence levels, and lowering demand on policing.”

The new approach seeks to address public concerns about antisocial behavior and crime by focusing on prevention, early intervention, and problem-solving. Recent figures show the challenges faced by the force, with over 142,000 incidents recorded in the past year, including nearly 2,705 cases of antisocial behavior.

Chief Constable Lewis stressed the importance of targeting underlying causes of crime to reduce victim and offence levels. Neighbourhood Policing & Prevention Teams (NPPTs) will play a crucial role in enhancing visibility and addressing local crime issues directly with the community.

A central aspect of the strategy is the involvement of dedicated schools police officers to provide educational and pastoral support to students aged 5-16. This initiative aims to prevent future criminal behavior and support at-risk youth by creating safe and supportive environments in schools.

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn emphasized the importance of this initiative in supporting youth development, stating: “The safety and wellbeing of our children is paramount.”

Operation Ivydene, a focused initiative targeting antisocial behavior hotspots, will bring increased police patrols to affected areas until March 2025, including the Newtown East electoral district in Newtown. The operation, supported by funding from the Home Office, aims to restore public confidence and reduce crime in these communities.

Chief Constable Lewis believes that enhanced visibility and proactive community engagement will be vital to the success of this operation and the broader policing strategy, aiming to provide sustainable solutions to crime and safety concerns through collaboration with local partners.

The new neighborhood policing strategy in Dyfed-Powys signifies a shift towards preventative measures and long-term problem-solving to address crime effectively.