Crime
Police precept rise agreed for Dyfed-Powys in 2026/27
Council tax policing element to increase by 7.47% — an extra £26.95 a year for the average Band D household
POLICE and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has confirmed the Dyfed-Powys Police precept for 2026/27 following a meeting of the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel on Friday (Jan 23).
The precept — the portion of council tax that helps fund local policing — will rise by 7.47%, increasing the average Band D bill by £26.95 a year, or around £2.25 a month.
After several months of scrutiny, the Police and Crime Panel unanimously supported the Commissioner’s proposal. Members of the panel praised the “open and transparent” way the precept process was handled.
The increase will raise a total precept of £93.033m, supporting an overall budget requirement of £161.905m.
In setting the precept, Mr Llywelyn said he had weighed inflation and cost pressures, demand on services, reserve levels, future investment needs, efficiency plans and feedback from residents across the Dyfed-Powys area.
He said the agreed funding would support targeted investment in policing, with a focus on strengthening Local Policing Teams and prevention work.
The Commissioner said funding would support additional neighbourhood officers to increase visible patrols and strengthen local relationships, extra response officers to improve response times, enhanced early intervention work with young people through partnership working with schools, families and youth services, and investment in innovation to improve services to victims and streamline processes so officers can spend more time on frontline duties.
“I recognise the pressure that any increase in the police precept places on households,” Mr Llywelyn said. “However, this decision is about protecting frontline policing and investing in the services that matter most to our communities.
“Residents have been clear that they want to see more officers locally, faster response times and a greater focus on prevention. This investment delivers exactly that.”
He added: “While the financial and operational environment remains challenging, this level of funding provides the stability needed to focus on delivery and on the priorities set out in my Police and Crime Plan.
“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views through the consultation, as well as members of the Police and Crime Panel for their continued scrutiny and support.”
Councillor Keith Evans, vice-chair of the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel, who chaired the meeting, said: “I am very pleased with the outcome of the precept meeting and want to take the time to thank panel members and the finance sub-group for their diligence in reaching their decision, which has come after many meetings of scrutiny.
“I wish to note the open and transparent manner the Commissioner and his office responded to the sub-group’s request for information. I would also like to express my gratitude to the panel’s secretariat team for their usual cooperation and support.”
Crime
Mid Wales peace activist arrested outside court after Palestine Action ruling
MID WALES peace activist Angie Zelter was arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after holding a placard in support of Palestine Action.
The 75-year-old campaigner, from Knucklas, Powys, was detained at around 12:20pm on the steps of the court, according to Radnor Palestine Links.
The group said Ms Zelter was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after holding a sign which read: “Saving lives is not terrorism. I support Palestine Action.”
She was taken to Charing Cross Police Station and released around two hours later, the group said.

The arrest came as the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the UK Government over its decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.
The ruling overturned an earlier High Court decision which had found the ban unlawful. The Court of Appeal held that the Government’s decision was lawful and proportionate.
Palestine Action was banned after the Home Secretary moved to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Supporting or inviting support for a proscribed organisation can be a criminal offence.
Radnor Palestine Links said the protest formed part of an ongoing campaign against the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful demonstrators.
Ms Zelter, a long-standing peace and human rights campaigner, has been arrested more than 100 times worldwide during decades of non-violent direct action. She is also known as a founder of Trident Ploughshares.
Speaking after her arrest, Ms Zelter said: “I think it’s a terrible indictment of the criminal justice system that you are charging me with terrorism for holding a peaceful sign.
“We have to uphold the most important international laws. Peaceful, disruptive protest is absolutely essential to protect democracy.”
The Metropolitan Police has been asked to confirm the circumstances of the arrest, whether Ms Zelter was formally charged, and the conditions of her release.
Photo caption: Court protest: Angie Zelter outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London holding a sign in support of Palestine Action (Pic: Radnor Palestine Links).
Crime
Llangadog man fined after breaching restraining order twice
Court hears defendant contacted protected person despite ban
A LLANGADOG man has been fined £1,375 after twice breaching a restraining order by contacting a protected person he had been banned from approaching.
Adam Thomas Davies, 34, of Llangadog, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jun 15) for proceedings linked to an existing community order.
The court heard Davies had breached a restraining order on two separate occasions in June last year by contacting a person he had been prohibited from approaching under an order imposed by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court in November 2019.
Magistrates were told the original community order, imposed in August 2025, had become unworkable due to long-term physical health issues alongside Davies’ employment.
The court revoked the existing order and resentenced him for the original offences.
Davies was made subject to a new community order running until June 14, 2027. He must comply with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and attend appointments or activities as directed by probation services, for up to 15 days.
As a punitive element of the order, magistrates imposed a fine of £1,375.
The court heard the breaches related to unlawful contact made in Carmarthenshire despite the restrictions remaining in force.
Davies was ordered to pay the fine at a rate of £120 per month, starting from July 13.
Crime
Road safety grant fund launched for community projects
COMMUNITY groups, charities and local organisations across the Dyfed-Powys area are being invited to apply for funding for projects aimed at improving road safety.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has launched a new Road Safety Community Grant Fund to support local initiatives designed to reduce risks on the roads, raise awareness and encourage safer behaviour among drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
The fund will support preventative projects led by communities, including education and awareness programmes, behaviour-change campaigns, road safety events, training and skills development, and evidence-led pilot schemes.
Applications will be assessed on their potential to improve road safety, provide value for money and deliver clear community benefits.
Mr Llywelyn said: “Keeping our communities safe on our roads is a fundamental part of our wider mission to protect the public and reduce harm.
“By investing in community-led initiatives, we are empowering local organisations to deliver practical, innovative solutions that improve road safety, change behaviours, and ultimately save lives.”
The fund forms part of the commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029, which includes commitments to preventing harm, supporting safer communities and working in partnership on issues affecting local people.
Further details, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, are available on the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner’s website.
The fund closes at 10:00pm on Sunday, July 19.
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