Crime

Dyfed-Powys Police fastest in UK for answering 999 calls

Published

5 months ago

October 19, 2025

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has been ranked the fastest force in the UK for answering 999 emergency calls, new figures show.

Data published on police.uk reveals that between January and August 2025, the Force Communication Centre (FCC) was the quickest in Wales – and the fastest in the country – at responding to emergency calls.

Over the last eighteen months, the FCC has introduced new technology, new ways of working, and recruited twenty new team members thanks to investment from the Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn.

Between January and September, the team handled more than 47,000 emergency calls, over 117,000 non-emergency calls via the 101 phoneline, and a further 32,000 digital contacts through social media, the force website and email.

For September 2025 alone, Dyfed-Powys Police answered 999 calls in an average of 4.33 seconds, well below the national target of ten seconds. The UK-wide average for the month was 7.71 seconds.

Karen Marshall, Force Communication Manager, said: “Everyone in the FCC is committed to providing an excellent service to our communities and visitors. I’m very pleased that Dyfed-Powys Police is consistently able to quickly answer callers who need help.”

Investment and innovation

In January, the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel backed a precept rise of 8.6% for 2025/26 on an average Band D property. The extra funds have been directed toward bolstering frontline capability, releasing experienced officers from desk duties and improving the FCC.

The FCC has since launched a new telephony system that routes calls to the most suitable operator and automatically reserves two operators for 999 calls. If both are busy, a third is ring-fenced to maintain emergency response capacity.

A new callback function now allows callers to leave their number rather than wait in a queue. Staff can then return calls within twenty minutes to an hour, reducing frustration and keeping emergency lines clear.

Training for all roles

One of the most significant changes has been the rollout of omnicompetence training, allowing staff to perform multiple roles – from call handling and dispatch to digital desk duties and CCTV monitoring.

Chris, who joined the FCC in February 2024, said: “Because we’re trained in all roles, it means we can flex our resources to meet demand. If a certain area is busier, we can move staff across to keep wait times low and respond more quickly.”

He added: “Not all calls we receive are police matters, and thanks to the training we can signpost people to other services faster, keeping our lines free for genuine emergencies.”

Commissioner praises performance

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “I am extremely proud of our Force Communication Centre for their continued dedication and professionalism. They play a vital role in ensuring people in the Dyfed-Powys area get help when they need it most.

“The investment made through last year’s precept has strengthened the service through new technology and enhanced training. It’s clear that this focus on improvement is paying off, with our communities benefitting from a faster, more efficient response.”

Making the right call

The force reminded the public to use emergency lines responsibly and to “Make the Right Call”:

Police or partners? Check if another service is better suited to help.
Online information: Visit the Dyfed-Powys Police website before calling.
Report crime: Use the online non-emergency reporting form where possible.
Call 101: For information sharing or to speak to an officer directly.

Find out more at dyfed-powys.police.uk/maketherightcall

Crime

Man sentenced for stalking Milford Haven woman

Published

2 hours ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Restraining order imposed by Haverfordwest magistrates

A MAN has been sentenced after admitting stalking a woman in Milford Haven.

Andrew Richards, 39, of High Street, Neyland, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 9).

Richards had previously pleaded guilty to stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to section 2A(1) and (4) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

The court heard that between December 2, 2025 and February 15, 2026, he pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking of Tamsin Matthias and which he knew, or ought to have known, amounted to harassment.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until September 8, 2027.

As part of the order, Richards must undertake alcohol treatment for nine months under the direction of the probation service.

He must also complete up to twenty days of rehabilitation activity as directed by probation.

Richards was ordered to pay a £120 fine, £500 compensation to the victim, £85 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge.

The court made a restraining order lasting until September 8, 2027.

Under the order, Richards must not contact the victim directly or indirectly and must not post, or cause to be posted, any material on social media or the internet referring to her directly or indirectly.

The court heard a victim personal statement from the complainant, which was read to the court by the prosecutor.

The case was prosecuted by Dennis Davies, with Richards represented by Mike Kelleher.

The hearing was before magistrates Mrs J Morris, Mr C Pattison and Mr J Steadman.

Crime

Man, 80, sentenced for stalking after campaign of unwanted emails and posters

Published

3 hours ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Restraining order imposed after Haverfordwest case

A MAN has been sentenced for stalking after admitting a campaign of unwanted contact and harassment in Haverfordwest.

Michael Lockheart, 80, of Daisy Lane, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 9).

The court had previously heard that between July 27 and September 10, 2025, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to stalking.

The offence involved sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop making contact, putting up defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to the complainant’s GP and local authority.

Lockheart had entered a guilty plea to stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to section 2A(1) and (4) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, on January 27, 2026.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until March 8, 2028.

As part of that order, Lockheart must undergo non-residential mental health treatment for 12 months under Dr Cormac Duffy, as directed by probation.

He must also complete up to 25 days of rehabilitation activity.

Lockheart was ordered to pay £1,000 compensation, a £600 fine, £85 costs and a £114 surcharge.

The court also made a restraining order lasting until March 8, 2028.

Under that order, he must not seek, approach or communicate with the complainant by any means, directly or indirectly. He must not knowingly enter any address where she is living, and must not post, or cause to be posted, any material online or on social media referring to her directly or by implication.

A victim personal statement was read to the court by the prosecutor.

The case was heard by Mrs J Morris, Mr C Pattison and Mr J Steadman.