News

Dyfed-Powys Police sees surge in voluntary resignations amid nationwide trend

Published

3 years ago

August 15, 2023

A GROWING number of officers are voluntarily parting ways with Dyfed-Powys Police, according to the latest figures.

The Police Federation of England and Wales highlights an alarming trend – police resource demand exceeding supply. The number of officers opting for voluntary resignation has hit a record peak across England and Wales.

Data from the Home Office indicates that 23 full-time officers chose to leave Dyfed-Powys Police in the year ending March, a rise from 18 the previous year. Factoring in retirements and dismissals, the force witnessed 73 departures last year, equating to a 5.9% leavers rate when not accounting for transfers.

In a broader perspective, 4,575 full-time officers across England and Wales handed in their resignations last year, marking a substantial 33% jump from the 3,433 in 2021-22. This brings the overall leavers rate to an unprecedented 6.6%.

Steve Hartshorn, the national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, voiced concerns mirroring those raised by numerous officers. Hartshorn stated, “Despite our members’ unwavering dedication to public safety, the imbalance between demand and resources persists.” Emphasising the significance of not just recruiting but also retaining officers, he pressed for improvements in pay and conditions. “The future must center on restoring pay,” he commented.

While resignations were high, the joining rate stood robustly at 11.1%. Consequently, the total number of officers increased from 140,200 in March 2022 to 147,400 by March 2023. However, Hartshorn pointed out that this is a modest increase from the 143,700 officers in 2010, especially considering the UK’s booming population and the ever-evolving complexity of crime.

Dyfed-Powys Police force numbers grew modestly, tallying 1,294 officers in 2023 from 1,230 the previous year.

Responding to the findings, a Home Office spokeswoman remarked, “We’ve achieved record police staffing levels across England and Wales. This major investment signals our expectation for these numbers to hold steady, with police forces having solid strategies to guarantee this.” She also added a silver lining: “Our recent survey revealed 82% of new recruits are content with their roles, and 77% envision a lifelong career in policing.”

Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Published

10 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests

DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.

The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.

Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.

Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.

A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.

Crime

Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls

Published

10 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.

Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.

The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.

Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.

The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

Finance

Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end

Published

10 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.

The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.

Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.

With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.

The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.

Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”

Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.

Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)