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Crime

£200m cash boost for Policing in Wales announced by UK Government

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More officers on streets as government doubles funding

WALES is set to see a surge in neighbourhood policing as the government doubles its funding to £200 million, aiming to restore a visible police presence in local communities.

The investment, which builds on December’s initial £100 million pledge, is intended to reverse years of declining police numbers on the streets. Each of Wales’s four police forces will receive a significant funding boost:

  • Dyfed-Powys Police: Up to £160.4m – a 5.9% increase
  • Gwent Police: Up to £193.3m – a 5.8% increase
  • North Wales Police: Up to £223.0m – a 6.1% increase
  • South Wales Police: Up to £434.3m – a 6.2% increase

More boots on the ground

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the funding as a “turning point” for policing, stating: “By doubling extra neighbourhood funding to £200m, we are giving forces across the country what they need to put more officers and PCSOs where they’re needed most – on our streets and in our town centres.”

She added that dedicated officers who understand their local areas will help tackle crime before it escalates, with new powers being introduced to further support policing efforts.

The investment is part of the Safer Streets initiative, which will see 13,000 additional officers, PCSOs, and special constables deployed in communities across the country. While the full impact will take time, this first year of funding signals the government’s commitment to making it a priority.

North Wales leads the way

The success of #RenewRhyl, a policing initiative in North Wales, has been highlighted as an example of what dedicated local policing can achieve. The scheme has led to a 14% drop in recorded crime, showing how increased police visibility can make a real difference.

Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, welcomed the extra funding, saying: “Neighbourhood policing is at the heart of my plan for fighting crime in North Wales. Initiatives like #RenewRhyl show that when local people are put at the heart of policing, we see real results.”

Chief Superintendent Owain Llewellyn echoed these sentiments, saying: “We have been clear throughout that this is for the community and involving the community. We have had fantastic support and buy-in from local people who have worked with us to identify the priorities for their areas.”

A long-term commitment

With more funding expected in this autumn’s spending review, the government says this is just the beginning of a wider push to strengthen policing. Plans include giving officers new powers through the Crime and Policing Bill, such as Respect Orders to tackle anti-social behaviour in town centres.

Every neighbourhood will also have a named, contactable officer, ensuring that communities know who to turn to for local policing issues.

With more officers, stronger powers, and local priorities shaping the approach, the government says it is backing the police to deliver the safer streets people deserve.

 

Crime

Man arrested after police stop car on Pembroke Dock street

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A MAN was arrested after police stopped a car on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Saturday afternoon (Apr 4).

Witnesses said the incident happened at around 5:00pm outside Bargain Booze, when two police vehicles – one marked and one unmarked – pulled over a motorist.

According to one bystander, officers searched the boot of the vehicle and arrested the man straight afterwards.

The same witness said what was suspected to be Class A drugs were found, although that detail has not been confirmed by police.

The man was taken away in a police car, while an officer drove the suspect’s vehicle from the scene.

The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for comment.

Image: File photo

 

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Crime

Six-year jail term a warning to drug dealers, says police

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Detective says “robust approach” will continue as dealer caught after drugs hidden in car sale

A TOP detective has warned that a Milford Haven drug dealer’s six-year prison sentence should serve as a stark warning to others involved in the supply of illegal drugs.

Daniel Booth, aged 35, was jailed at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Mar 20) after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis, as well as possession of cannabis.

The case came to light after a member of the public discovered drugs hidden inside a car they had purchased from Booth.

The buyer reported the find to police, triggering an investigation that led to Booth’s arrest on January 5.

Officers later uncovered further evidence linking him to the supply of Class A and Class B drugs.

Hidden drugs discovery

The discovery of drugs concealed within the vehicle proved to be a key breakthrough in the case.

Police said the incident highlighted both the risks to unsuspecting members of the public and the lengths some offenders will go to in order to conceal their activities.

Booth was subsequently charged and later admitted the offences in court.

‘Clear warning’ to others

Speaking after sentencing, DC Phillip Jones, of the Serious Organised Crime Unit in Pembrokeshire, said the case should send a strong message.

He said: “The supplying of drugs such as cannabis and cocaine in our communities has damaging consequences, and I hope that this result serves as a reminder of Dyfed-Powys Police’s commitment to remove them from our streets.

“Booth’s six-year sentence should serve as a warning to anyone involved in the supply of illegal drugs that we and our partners in the justice system will take a robust approach while bringing these types of offenders to justice.”

Ongoing crackdown

Dyfed-Powys Police say tackling drug supply remains a key priority across Pembrokeshire, with officers continuing to target those involved in organised criminal activity.

The force has urged members of the public to report any concerns about suspected drug dealing in their communities.

 

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Crime

Driver spared jail after crash killed young couple

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A PEMBROKE DOCK driver who caused the deaths of a young couple in a road crash has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Alexander MacCallum, aged 28, of Llanreath, Pembroke Dock, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court to 16 months in prison, suspended for 12 months. He was also banned from driving for 18 months.

MacCallum had previously admitted two counts of causing death by careless driving when he appeared before the same court on 9 February.

The case related to a fatal two-vehicle collision on the A477 near Llanddowror at about 3:50pm on 13 June 2024.

The court heard that MacCallum was driving a Jaguar XKR when he lost control in wet conditions, crossed the carriageway and collided with a Ford Fiesta being driven by Adam Muskett, aged 27. His partner, Katie Worrell, aged 25, was a passenger in the car.

Mr Muskett died at the scene. Ms Worrell was taken to hospital with catastrophic injuries but died later the same day.

In a joint family statement, relatives of the couple said: “We would like to thank the emergency services who attended that fateful day and the people who stopped to help Katie and Adam. We are forever grateful to them.

“We recognise the sentence of the court, but there is no sentence that will ever bring our children and siblings back. We appreciate the work of Dyfed-Powys Police and the Crown Prosecution Service to secure a conviction.

“Adam and Katie’s deaths were unnecessary. Had the defendant not driven his car in the manner that he did, they would still be with us.

“We now wish for privacy after what has been a long and difficult journey to the conclusion of this prosecution.

“We urge everyone to consider the manner and speed in which they drive their vehicles.”

PC Lucy Brookes, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Following the tragic deaths of Adam and Katie, a full investigation into the collision was launched, and after consideration of the evidence it was deemed that MacCallum’s manner of driving was inappropriate for the very poor weather conditions.

“He was charged through a postal requisition in November 2025 and has now been sentenced.

“This has been a lengthy investigation into an incident which claimed the lives of two young people. While nothing can undo the loss of Adam and Katie, it is hoped that today’s sentence goes some way to providing justice for their loved ones, who have shown incredible strength throughout this process. Our thoughts very much remain with them.”

 

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