Crime
Police receive funding to target antisocial behaviour across mid and west Wales
POLICE officers are spending more time in the areas worst hit by antisocial behaviour across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys thanks to an injection of cash from the Home Office.
Dyfed-Powys Police, with support from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, has received almost half a million pounds to combat antisocial behaviour (ASB) across the force area in a dedicated response known as Operation Ivydene.
Through Operation Ivydene, ten areas – known as ASB hotspots – will receive an extra 11,000 hours of police patrols over the next eight months.
Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis said: “Antisocial behaviour can have a serious impact on the quality of life on people who want to go about their daily lives.
“These hotspots have been selected as the areas experiencing the highest volumes of violence and antisocial behaviour (ASB) offences and based on local intelligence.
“The patrols aim to provide a reassuring presence to help people feel safe while also proactively disrupting crime and acting as a deterrent.”
There will be about 27 hours per week of hotspot patrols in each of the areas – which are in addition to regular police patrols – which will also involve use of specialist resources, such as drones, depending on the issues being targeted.
Officers are also conducting surveys in the hotspots to help the force better understand and address the concerns of those living there.
‘Antisocial behaviour’ is a broad term which includes behaviour that has caused or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to a member or members of the public. Criminal and non-criminal behaviours such as littering, vandalism, public drunkenness, aggressive dogs, or noise nuisance may also be considered ASB.
The patrols will focus on tackling issues in the areas within:
- Carmarthenshire – Tyisha, Elli, Llanelli town, Carmarthen town and Ammanford.
- Ceredigion – Aberystwyth and Aberaeron.
- Pembrokeshire – Haverfordwest town centre and Tenby town centre.
- Powys – Newtown East and Brecon.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has secured nearly £1 million from the Home Office to collaborate with Local Authorities and Dyfed-Powys Police on initiatives aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB).
He said: “ASB can have an overwhelming impact on its victims and, in some cases, on the wider community.
“An effective response to antisocial behaviour requires innovation, strong partnerships between local agencies, and a mindset that puts victims first. These ASB Hotspot initiatives aim to achieve just that.”
Over the next eight months, monthly monitoring will be underway and submitted to the Home Office. Outcomes that will be reported on include hours of visible foot patrols, weapons recovered, number of arrests, number of ASB powers used, and number of stop searches.
Earlier this year, the government announced that every police force in England and Wales will receive at least £1 million to ramp up patrols to tackle violence and disorder, targeted in areas with high levels of anti-social behaviour (in February 2024).
It followed the successful piloting of the approach in 10 areas, which saw more than 80,000 hours of patrols in the six months since it launched.
DR RICHARD LEWIS has announced his retirement as Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, bringing a 25-year policing career to a close.
The force, which serves Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys, will now begin the search for his successor.
Chief Constable Lewis, who was born and raised in west Wales and has worked across all four counties, described leading the force as “the professional privilege of my life.”
He said: “I have nothing but fond memories of working in this fantastic force, and in policing. It has been a real honour to work alongside PCC Dafydd Llywelyn, a true leader and nationally important figure in Wales who has invested so much in the development of Dyfed-Powys and the safety of its communities.
“I have every confidence that whoever is appointed the next Chief Constable will continue the force’s positive trajectory, which led us to cutting crime by 18% over the past 12 months – by some distance the biggest cut in crime anywhere in England and Wales.”
Following the announcement, Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn paid tribute to Dr Lewis, praising his leadership during a period of major change.
Mr Llywelyn said: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis for his service and dedication to Dyfed-Powys Police.
“His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the force through significant transformation over the last three years, ensuring we continue to provide an effective and efficient policing service to our communities.
“During his tenure, Dr Lewis has overseen a major force review, delivering essential reforms that achieved £10 million in savings. He has also modernised the force’s infrastructure, including the introduction of a new crime records management system – a critical step in addressing HMICFRS concerns about data integrity.”
The Commissioner confirmed that the process to appoint a new Chief Constable will begin in the coming weeks.
Deputy Chief Constable Ifan Charles will act as temporary Chief Constable until a permanent appointment is made.
Mr Llywelyn added: “On behalf of the people of the Dyfed-Powys area, I thank Richard for his service and commitment and wish him every success for the future.”
A CAMROSE man who thought he was grooming a 13-year-old girl has been sentenced at Swansea Crown Court.
Phillip Jackson, aged 42, of The Causeway, Haverfordwest, appeared before the court on Thursday (Apr 3) after pleading guilty to two offences: attempting sexual communication with a child, and attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.
The court previously heard that between September 22 and October 20, 2024, Jackson engaged in sexually explicit conversations online with someone he believed to be a young teenage girl. In reality, the account was operated by a decoy.
He also encouraged the supposed child to perform a sexual act on herself.
Judge Paul Thomas KC sentenced Jackson to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years. He must also complete 35 days of rehabilitation activity and carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.
Jackson was made subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
The Herald understands Jackson made full admissions during his police interview and had no previous convictions.
A FORMER Dyfed-Powys Police CCTV operator is appearing at Swansea Crown Court today (April 7) for a plea and directions hearing, facing charges of controlling and coercive behaviour, along with offences under the Data Protection Act and Computer Misuse Act.
Russell Hasler, who was arrested in 2023 by the force’s Professional Standards Department, had worked as a CCTV operator since 2019. He resigned from his post while under investigation for alleged offences said to have taken place between 2020 and 2022.
He was previously charged at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on March 5, 2025, and committed to the Crown Court for further proceedings.
The Herald understands that legal directions will be set today, with a trial date expected to be scheduled later this year.
Hasler remains on court bail.
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