Crime

Dyfed-Powys police precept was increased despite ‘transparency concerns’

Published

10 months ago

February 3, 2025

Panel backs 8.6% rise as funding pressures mount, but questions remain over spending priorities

THE DYFED-POWYS POLICE and Crime Panel unanimously approved an 8.6% increase in the police precept for the 2025-26 financial year, a decision that will see Band D households paying an additional £28.65 per year.

The move, backed at a meeting in County Hall, Haverfordwest, last week came amid mounting financial pressures on the force, which Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said was “struggling to maintain services in the face of inflation, increased demand, and declining central government support.”

With the rise, Dyfed-Powys remains the cheapest force in Wales in terms of council tax contributions, but concerns over transparency, recruitment struggles, and the force’s ability to deliver improvements have led to debate among councillors and the public.

PUBLIC CALLS FOR CLARITY ON PRECEPT-SETTING PROCESS

One of the most contentious issues raised at the meeting was the public’s lack of understanding of how the precept is set and spent.

A public question submitted to the panel challenged the clarity of police funding, stating that many council tax premium payers—who contribute three times the standard rate—feel left in the dark about how their money is allocated.

Commissioner defends process, blames Home Office for lack of transparency

Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn defended the process, highlighting that his office had presented a detailed budget report and that public consultations had taken place.

However, he admitted that the Home Office funding formula remains opaque, stating:

“The way policing is funded in the UK is deeply complex. At present, 56% of Dyfed-Powys Police’s budget comes from local council tax precepts, while central government funding has steadily declined over the past decade.”

Despite efforts to explain the precept-setting process, several panel members acknowledged that more needs to be done to simplify public communications about how and why tax increases are necessary.

WHY IS THE INCREASE NECESSARY?

Llywelyn outlined several key financial pressures necessitating the 8.6% increase, including:

Officer pay rises and inflation – Increased salary costs for officers and staff, driven by national pay settlements and rising employer contributions to National Insurance and pensions.
Loss of Welsh Government grants – The school liaison programme, previously funded by Welsh Government, is now being covered by Dyfed-Powys Police’s own budget, requiring additional local funding.
Workforce modernisation – Increased investment in frontline policing, with efforts to free up officers by relying more on police staff and AI-driven automation tools.
Rural crime concerns – A growing issue in the Dyfed-Powys region, particularly the theft of agricultural vehicles (ATVs), with £500,000 earmarked for enhancing rural crime prevention strategies.
Investment in AI and digital policing tools – The force is trialling AI-driven software to assist in areas such as redacting sensitive case files, processing victim reports, and even fireworks licensing.

COMPARISONS WITH OTHER WELSH FORCES

Llywelyn pointed out that, even with the increase, Dyfed-Powys residents will still pay the lowest police precept in Wales.

Band D council tax comparisons for 2025-26 (estimated):

Dyfed-Powys: £360.68
Gwent: £374.20
North Wales: £385.50
South Wales: £395.80

Despite this, some panel members raised concerns that cost-of-living pressures could make even small increases difficult for struggling households.

PANEL BACKS INCREASE BUT SCRUTINISES SPENDING PLANS

The precept was approved following a presentation by Councillor Keith Evans, who led the Finance Sub-Group’s scrutiny of the proposed 2025-26 police budget.

Panel members questioned several aspects of the spending plans, including:

Recruitment and retention – are officers staying?

While 245 officers were recruited in 2023/24 and 213 in 2024/25, the force is struggling to retain staff, with many leaving within three to seven years. A retention officer has been appointed to understand why officers are leaving and improve working conditions. Llywelyn admitted that pay, workload, and a lack of career progression were major factors in officer departures.

Police station closures – fewer public contact points

Concerns were raised over the accessibility of policing services, with only two stations—Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock—offering front desk services. Llywelyn defended the shift toward digital and phone-based policing, stating that 101 call response times have improved and that more people now contact police via social media or online portals.

Rural crime – a growing concern

Theft of ATVs, livestock, and fuel has been rising, particularly in Carmarthenshire and Powys. Llywelyn stated that the Rural Crime Team is expanding to advise farmers on crime prevention and increase visibility in rural areas. A new crime prevention initiative will see officers working with insurance companies to mark vehicles and equipment to deter theft.

AI and digital policing – how much is being spent?

The force is investing in AI to speed up administrative tasks, such as:

Redacting case files before submission to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Using automated translation tools for victim and witness statements.
Developing digital contact tools for low-risk domestic abuse cases.

Some panel members questioned whether AI investments would reduce officer workload or simply divert funds from frontline services.

COST-OF-LIVING CONCERNS – HOW WILL HOUSEHOLDS COPE?

Despite approving the increase, some panel members raised concerns about the impact on households already struggling with higher energy bills, food prices, and mortgage rates.

Llywelyn acknowledged the financial strain but stressed that without the increase, police services would be forced to cut back.

“To maintain the same level of service, we need an additional £6 million in funding. This precept increase ensures we can keep officers on the streets and continue tackling crime effectively.”

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

With the 8.6% precept increase now approved, Dyfed-Powys Police will move forward with:

Officer recruitment and retention initiatives.
Expanding rural crime prevention efforts.
AI and digital policing trials.
New scrutiny structures, including quarterly Strategic Performance Meetings and deep dives into key policing issues.

While the panel supported the rise, it is clear that public scrutiny of police spending remains high, particularly regarding whether the promised improvements materialise.

The next Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel meeting will assess whether these investments have delivered tangible results.

Crime

Fire at newly opened Llandysul gym prompts police investigation

Published

26 minutes ago

November 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

One person arrested; founders vow they will ‘reopen in no time’

A FIRE at a newly opened gym in Llandysul has led to the arrest of one person, with police treating the incident as suspected arson.

Emergency crews were called to Y Gampfa, the new fitness hub in the town, during the early hours of Thursday, November 13 – less than a fortnight after its official launch on November 1.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that one individual has been arrested and later released on bail while enquiries continue. Officers are urging anyone with information to come forward.

‘Deeply saddened but relieved no one was hurt’

Co-founder James Turner said the team had been left devastated by the incident so soon after opening.

“We are deeply saddened by what has happened to our recently launched Y Gampfa gym,” he said. “Most importantly, we are relieved that none of our staff or members were inside at the time. The damage is confined to the building and equipment, and no one was injured.”

The gym had attracted strong early interest, bolstered by support from fitness influencers Emily Olivia and Tyle Smith.

Founders determined to reopen

Co-founder Josh Farmer said the fire had hit the team hard but insisted the project would continue.

“This has been incredibly disheartening after the time, work and passion that went into creating a new wellbeing space for the community,” he said. “Because there is an active criminal investigation, we can’t discuss details, but we want to reassure members that Y Gampfa will reopen as soon as possible.”

The gym’s open day earlier this month drew hundreds of residents, and more than 200 members signed up within the first days of trading.

Co-founder Steffan Evans paid tribute to the community response.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support,” he said. “People’s messages, offers of help and encouragement show exactly why this place matters. We also want to thank the emergency services for their swift response.”

Fellow co-founder James Stewart added: “With the backing of our friends, families and the wider community, we are determined to rebuild. We look forward to welcoming everyone back as soon as we can.”

Police appeal

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police on 101, or report anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

Y Gampfa opened earlier this month after being founded in 2025 by Steffan Evans, Josh Farmer, James Stewart and James Turner, all from the Teifi Valley, with the aim of offering an inclusive fitness space “where everyone belongs”.

Crime

Controversial Parc Prison expansion approved despite safety and traffic fears

Published

1 hour ago

November 17, 2025

Staff Writer

Hundreds of extra inmates and 160 new staff planned for troubled Bridgend jail

CONTROVERSIAL plans to expand the troubled Parc Prison – which houses many inmates from Pembrokeshire – have been approved by Bridgend County Borough Council, despite strong opposition from residents living near the privately-run facility.

The proposal, approved by councillors in November, will see a new “K-shaped” house-block constructed on the south-west of the site to accommodate an additional 345 inmates. The development will also require 160 extra staff, significantly increasing daily traffic movements on surrounding roads.

HMP Parc, located in Coity, Bridgend, opened in 1997 and is operated by G4S. The category B prison already holds 1,670 inmates and employs 676 staff, and has faced long-standing criticism over safety, drug use, violence, and management practices.

Major redevelopment at the site

The application was submitted by Galliford Try Construction Ltd on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. In addition to the new accommodation block and associated boundary wall changes, the scheme includes:

A replacement kitchen and dining block
A new gym
A new multi-faith building
A new education block
A redesigned visitor and staff entrance
Additional car parking and site infrastructure

A planning report presented to councillors said the expansion forms part of a UK-wide programme to increase prison capacity, adding: “It is expected that this proposal will future-proof HMP Parc for the foreseeable future.”

Strong objections from local residents

The application received a significant number of objections from residents in Coity and the wider area. Concerns included:

Increased traffic and congestion, particularly along Heol Spencer
Noise disturbance from the expanded facility
Ongoing safety worries following multiple reports of drones being flown over the prison
Individuals allegedly “loitering” in nearby streets looking for access routes into the prison grounds

Residents also raised broader concerns about the prison’s troubled reputation and the impact of further expansion on the community.

Councillors raise concerns over access and safety

At the planning meeting, Cllr Amanda Williams said people in Coity understood that expansion was inevitable but argued that the community needed meaningful mitigation measures, particularly around traffic management and safe walking routes for visitors.

Cllrs Ian Williams and Simon Griffiths echoed these concerns, highlighting the dangers for pedestrians who currently have to cross a busy dual carriageway to access public transport near the Sainsbury’s supermarket.

Highways officers told the meeting that many issues raised were “pre-existing” and could not be considered in relation to the new application. They added that developing a pedestrian route from the Sainsbury’s bus stops would be difficult because the land is privately owned.

However, officers recommended approval, noting that the applicant had agreed to a “reasonable contribution” towards traffic mitigation and that the urgent need to increase capacity outweighed the negative impacts.

Mitigation measures promised

A representative for the applicant said noise and drone-related issues would be mitigated by installing new windows and enhanced surveillance technology. Conditions would also require additional tree planting to screen nearby homes from the expanded site.

They added that the project would create “substantial economic benefits”, including around 160 new, well-paid jobs for the Bridgend area.

By Lewis Smith – Local Democracy Reporter

Crime

Dealer hid in shower with drugs concealed in anus during Neyland raid

Published

6 hours ago

November 17, 2025

Court Reporter

Young Cardiff man jailed after police uncover cocaine, crack and cannabis supply operation across two counties

A DRUG dealer who tried to hide from police in a shower — with cannabis concealed in his anus — has been jailed after a series of raids in Neyland and Cardiff.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at a property in Neyland on March 27, where they found cash and cannabis inside the address. Prosecutor Nik Strobl said officers arrested the occupants and discovered Miguel Ada, 22, hiding in the shower. He initially gave a false name.

Ada was taken to hospital because officers suspected he was carrying drugs internally. He later admitted he had hidden cannabis in his anus, which was removed the following day. His phone contained messages offering cannabis for sale and encouraging others to deal for him, promising they could earn “serious money”.

At the time, Ada was already on bail for earlier drug matters. On January 26, officers attended a Cardiff hostel for vulnerable over-55s and saw him leaving a room in suspicious circumstances. He was arrested and found with 2.6g of cannabis, eleven wraps of cocaine in his bag worth around £200, and a further twenty-one wraps of cocaine — valued at £550 — hidden behind his scrotum.

Police arrested him again on June 15 at his partner’s home in Fairwater, Cardiff, after tracing a drugs line number written on a Rizla paper. During that search, officers recovered eight wraps of crack cocaine, cash, a Nokia phone and small amounts of cannabis. Analysis of the phone revealed a large number of bulk messages advertising crack cocaine for sale.

Ada, of Claude Road, Cardiff, admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine and crack cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, offering to supply crack cocaine, and possession of cannabis.

Defending, Sol Hartley said Ada had no previous drug convictions and had come under “pressure” from gang members he met while remanded in custody. He said Ada had been effectively homeless since being told to leave home at 17 and had “no stability” in his life.

Recorder Andrew Hammond sentenced Ada to three years and nine months in prison.