Crime
Police and Crime Commissioner announces policing precept level for 2024-25

POLICE and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has today (26 January 2024) confirmed the police precept for 2024/25 following a meeting of the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel.
The Police and Crime Commissioner is responsible for setting the budget for the police, which includes setting the precept which is the element of council tax that goes to the police.
After a process of extensive scrutiny, Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel unanimously supported the Commissioner’s precept proposal for 2024/25, which will increase the average band D property by 6.2%, or £19.38 per annum which is approximately £1.62 per month.
In setting the precept, Mr Llywelyn considers an array of factors, including inflation and cost pressures, the level of reserves, service demands, future investment requirements for critical infrastructure, efficiency and productivity plans, in addition to feedback from residents and businesses of the Dyfed-Powys area.
In November 2023 and, as a consequence of severe financial challenges, Welsh Government announced that their manifesto pledge to fund 600 Police Community Support (PCSOs) across Wales, was no longer possible. All Forces were requested to immediately pause recruitment. This will mean significant reductions in future grant funding. Clearly, PCSOs are an integral and important part of neighbourhood policing and much valued resource by communities. The cuts raise a number of operational risks and financial concerns.

Furthermore, Welsh Government also notified policing in mid-December 2023, that the totality of funding for the All-Wales Schools programme (£0.3m) would be withdrawn from 1st April 2024.
The decision to cease funding for this program, as well as significant reductions to PCSO funding would leave an exceptional void that should be addressed locally to ensure the safety of our communities, ensuring positive engagement of our children and young people.
This decision to raise the precept level by 6.2% aims to address the pressing need to safeguard vital aspects of community policing initiatives and to counteract the impact of withdrawn government funding.
As part of the last HMIC PEEL inspection, a number of observations were made in relation to the Force’s call handling arrangements which also reflected community concerns. The precept increase will allow the Force to address some of the concerns, by investing in staff and technology within the Force Control Centre, so that Dyfed-Powys Police are able to respond effectively and efficiently to growing demands. This area of business, which for many is the first point of contact, is assessed as being the priority of the Force, and is critical to ensure the accessibility of services for the public.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn told the Pembrokeshire Herald: “We understand the burden that any increase in precept places on taxpayers.
“However, this decision is driven by the critical need to sustain essential services, ensure accessibility and visibility, particularly in the face of reduced government support.
“Our commitment to community safety remains to be the priority, and we are confident that this increase is a necessary investment, safeguarding the safety and well-being of our neighbourhoods.
“It will allow for essential investments in our Force Control Centre, addressing the urgent need for increased staffing and upgraded technology systems, ensuring that the Force has the ability to respond promptly and effectively to the needs of our communities.”
To inform his considerations for 2024/25 and in order to fulfil his responsibilities as Commissioner, Mr Llywelyn consulted with the public to obtain their views on the level of Police Precept increase. Of the 627 respondents, 67.3% noted that they would support either an enhanced or increased level of funding. The 6.2% increase announced today by the Police and Crime Commissioner, will set a precept of £332.03 per Band D property for 2024/25.
This increase will raise a total precept of £79.364m and will provide a total funding of £143.902m, representing a £8.150m (6.0%) increase for 2024/25 from the revised position
Mr Llywelyn added: “The operational and financial landscape continues to be both unpredictable and challenging. This level of funding will enable the Force to focus on the delivery of my Police and Crime Plan for 2021-2025 and the objectives that I have outlined for the Chief Constable to improve performance and outcomes.
“I would like to thank the public for providing their views through the consultation, and to the Police and Crime Panel members for their continued support.”
Crime
Goodwick man jailed for stealing prescription tablets from partner

A 47-year-old man from Goodwick has been sentenced to jail after admitting to stealing his partner’s prescription medication.
Andrew Gibbs, of Allt Y Carne, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where he admitted taking four Pregabalin tablets from his long-term girlfriend on February 14.
Prosecuting, Alycia Carpanini told the court that Gibbs had taken the tablets while drinking in the living room earlier that day. He was arrested later that evening on unrelated matters, and officers found the medication in his possession.
During his arrest, Gibbs admitted aloud to police that he had stolen the tablets. He later confirmed the theft in a prepared statement during interview.
The court heard that Gibbs has a lengthy criminal history, with 35 previous convictions covering 68 offences. He had previously faced a series of serious allegations, including actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation against his partner, as well as two further assaults. However, those charges were dropped after the complainants chose not to support the prosecution.
In mitigation, defence barrister Dan Griffiths said his client had been cooperative with police from the outset and had already spent time in custody since his arrest.
Judge Paul Thomas KC imposed a 14-day custodial sentence for the theft, acknowledging the time Gibbs had already spent on remand. He will be released shortly under supervision.
Crime
CCTV shows diners allegedly stealing from Narberth pub

THIS story follows a post shared on The Pembrokeshire Herald Facebook page on Sunday (Mar 23), where locals reacted with shock and anger after CCTV footage was released by The Angel in Narberth.
The pub’s owner, Louise Morgan, says she was left “annoyed and frustrated” after four diners allegedly helped themselves to salt and pepper mills from their table before walking out of the pub without paying for them.
The incident happened on Saturday (Mar 22) during lunchtime service. Louise, who has run the popular town centre pub for years, reviewed her CCTV after noticing the tableware had gone missing—and said she was stunned by what she saw.
Speaking to The Herald, she said: “They stole these salt and pepper mills which were there for less than a week. It’s like they had done it before. One of the guys blocked the camera, then the lady grabbed her coat, which allowed them to steal the mills.”
Louise added: “I am shocked. This has not happened for a while. People used to steal soap dispensers from the ladies’ toilets, but it’s been a few years since that happened. Still, I’ve replaced the dispensers with these large amber bottles.
“A person once said to me ‘If it’s not bolted down, people will take it.’ But overall, we don’t have that kind of clientele. I’m just annoyed. It’s hard enough running your own business for people to come in and steal your stuff. I like to think that most of my customers are not like that.”
The footage shows the group of four seated in the dining area, with what appears to be a deliberate attempt to block the camera while the items are taken. The Angel took to Facebook the following day, posting a still from the CCTV and a message asking for the items to be returned.
“If anyone knows Mr Kitchen Crew and his gang, please ask them to return the stolen goods & no questions will be asked,” the post said.
Hundreds of people reacted to the post, slamming the culprits and offering support to the pub.
Sue James-Davies wrote: “That is disgusting and pathetic. They should be shamed and banned from all Narberth establishments.”
Michelle Bellamy added: “That’s disgusting. Times are tough for everyone but if these people can afford to eat out surely, they can afford their own tableware at home without stealing. I hope they’re ashamed of themselves.”
James Iwan Day commented: “If they liked the tableware so much why didn’t they just ask where you got it from? Absolutely mind-blowing behaviour.”
And Graham Coslett said: “If they can afford to pay for the meal, they can afford to buy what they have stolen. I rest my case your honour.”
Police have not yet been involved, and Louise is hoping the items will be quietly returned.
Crime
Milford Haven man assaulted three police officers and carried knife

A MILFORD HAVEN man has admitted assaulting three police officers and being in possession of a knife in public.
Adam Williams, aged 37, of Richard John Road, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court last week where he pleaded guilty to five charges.
The court heard that on March 16 Williams was found using a Volkswagen Golf without insurance in Milford Haven. On the same date, he was in possession of a craft knife without lawful authority or reasonable excuse on Richard John Road.
Williams also admitted three counts of common assault of an emergency worker, relating to three police officers.
Magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. Williams was remanded into custody and is due to be sentenced on March 31.
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