News
Police commissioner: ‘Prioritise spending on bobbies not bricks’
THE POLICE landscape of Dyfed-Powys is to change, with leading figures planning a force more in tune with modern public needs. The change comes in the form of a long-term estates strategy agreed by Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon and Chief Constable Simon Prince. It follows a review of all properties used by the police around Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys. The strategy aims to balance the need for community policing and other force operations with the cost of using and maintaining buildings with public money. Mr Salmon, who owns the police estate as part of his work, said: “I want to prioritise our spending on bobbies not bricks. “The estates strategy will help ensure police officers can be seen and contacted in line with the public’s modern needs and wishes. “It will ensure that our communities receive an effective, efficient and professional service. “With some of our many buildings being expensive to run or under-used, the strategy will mean a wise use of public money. “Front line services will be prioritised with innovation in the use of buildings and technology. We’re looking at solutions such as sharing spaces with partner agencies and organisations. “Much of our existing property will be retained but the services operated from some will relocate to nearby premises in the same community. “For some locations we seek alternative arrangements after which the existing premises will close. New, well-considered arrangements will be put in place and publicised before any relocation or closure occurs. “The whole process will take up to three years; individual plans will be made for each area and will be carefully thought through with the needs of the community and the region taken into account. “I understand that some people may be concerned at the prospect of change but I assure them that they can start looking forward to improved services. “In the meantime, we’ve created 30 new police officer posts in response to what the public have consistently told me in the 18 months since my election – they want to see officers on the streets. After all, it’s bobbies that catch criminals – not bricks.” Mr Prince said: “My priority is to ensure that the appropriate number of police officers and PCSOs are working within our communities. “To achieve this, we’re thinking differently – with efficiency in mind – as to how we best use our police buildings. “Our new approach is very much about ‘business as usual’, with officers sharing space with partner agencies, using mobile police stations and promoting local visibility and engagement opportunities.” The force uses around 70 sites with total annual running costs of around £2.9m and a 10-year maintenance requirement of around £10.3m. Force priorities have evolved in recent years, with a greater emphasis now on community policing. Central funding is down from around £60.5m in 2011-12 to £53m in 2014-15. Recent Dyfed-Powys Police initiatives have included a pledge that “When we’re in, we’re open” – police station visitors are seen as long as an officer is on site and it is safe to do so. To tell Mr Salmon what you would like to see from your local policing services in future, contact his office: Mail – OPCC, PO Box 99, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, SA31 2PF; email – opcc@dyfed-powys. pnn.police.uk. Talk on Twitter using #MyPolicePlaces.
Crime
All three school stabbing victims discharged from hospital, police confirm
POLICE remain at Ysgol Dyffryn Amman today, following an incident yesterday in which three people were injured, Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed on Thursday (Apr 25)
Officers will be at the school throughout the day as the CID-led investigation progresses.
A teenage girl remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Two teachers and a teenage pupil were taken to hospital with stab wounds, which were not life-threatening. All three victims have now been discharged from hospital, having been treated for knife injuries.
Carmarthenshire Superintendent Ross Evans said: “As can be expected with an incident as serious as this, there will continue to be a police presence at the school throughout the day today.
“Officers at the scene will be looking for evidence to assist the investigation, while other specialist teams will analyse any information submitted through our dedicated web page.
“We understand the level of concern in the community as people try to process the incident. We urge anyone affected by yesterday’s events to seek support, and not to share any videos, photos or information that might cause further distress to pupils or parents at the school.
“We continue to work with Carmarthenshire County Council and other agencies as they provide support to those affected by yesterday’s events.”
Speaking on Wednesday evening, Superintendent Ross Evans said:“Dyfed-Powys Police continue to investigate the serious incident that took place at Amman Valley School in Carmarthenshire this morning.
“We received a call just after 11.20am advising us people were injured following an incident at the school.
“Emergency services immediately attended, and the school was locked down for the safety of everyone on the premises.
“Two teachers and a teenage pupil were taken to hospital with stab wounds. Their injuries are not life threatening.
“A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and currently remains in police custody.
“A knife has been recovered as evidence.
“I am aware that there is footage of the incident currently circulating on social media and would ask that this is removed to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation, and to avoid further distress to those involved.
“I would also ask that people do not speculate while there is a police investigation ongoing, and to refer to official channels for factual updates.
“Local people will see more police in the area over the coming days as the investigation continues.
“I would like to reassure parents and the public that the incident has concluded, and pupils have now left the school.
“We are working with the school and other agencies to ensure appropriate support is available to all those involved.
“This was a very distressing incident, and our thoughts are with the victims, their family and everyone impacted by what has happened.
“We have set up a dedicated portal, and anyone with information that could help us with our investigation is asked to report it through this link to help police manage the volume of information coming in to us.
“Lastly, I would like to thank the whole community for their support and patience while police, emergency services, Carmarthenshire County Council and the school work through this distressing incident today and over the coming days.”
Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police by calling 101.
Images: BBC News Hub
News
Crime Commissioner candidate welcomes retail crime crackdown
A RAFT of new measures has been announced in the fight against epidemic levels of shoplifting on our highstreets.
Increased use of tagging for repeat offenders and the roll-out of facial recognition cameras are part of the crackdown.
A new standalone offence for assaulting a shop worker will carry a sentence of up to six months in jail or an unlimited fine. Criminal Behaviour Order will also ban offenders from returning to that shop.
The moves have been welcomed by Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner candidate for Dyfed Powys, Ian Harrison.
Ian said: “Shoplifting is the scourge of our highstreets. Local shops are the heart of our communities, especially in rural areas, and this sends out a tough message to those who think it is acceptable to rob local businesses and abuse the people who work in them.”
“Of particular concern is the appearance of organised shoplifting gangs, targeting our smaller High Street retailers. One local shopkeeper advised me that police response has been woefully inadequate.”
Announcing the crackdown, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I am sending a message to those criminals – whether they are serious organised criminal gangs, repeat offenders or opportunistic thieves – who think they can get away with stealing from these local businesses or abusing shopworkers, enough is enough.”
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said the voices of three million people working in retail had finally been heard after relentless campaigning for a specific offence for assaulting shop workers.
She said: “Victims are ordinary hardworking people – teenagers taking on their first job, carers looking for part-time work, parents working around childcare. This announcement sends a clear message that abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Retail crime is reported to cost business across the UK over £1bn every year.
News
70 Pembrokeshire clubs benefit from Sport Wales funding
SEVENTY Pembrokeshire clubs have been successful in receiving grants from the Be Active Wales Fund over the last financial year.
In total the clubs received more than £407,800 from the grants scheme from Sport Wales in 2023/24.
The fund backed 25 different sports, ranging from archery, basketball and cricket to sailing, short mat bowls and weightlifting and everything in between.
The Be Active Wales Fund is open to applications from not for profit community clubs and groups to help develop and sustain their activities.
Grants range from a minimum of £300 up to a maximum of £50,000.
The scheme will support coach education courses, the purchase of essential items of equipment right up to larger projects such as floodlighting and boats for sailing clubs.
For advice and support with your application contact Alan Jones or Lois Hilling at Pembrokeshire County Council’s Sports Development department, Sport Pembrokeshire on [email protected]
The Be Active Wales Fund is always open for applications.
More information is available on the Sport Wales website.
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