Crime

Dyfed-Powys Police launches project to break cycle of youth offending

Published

5 months ago

January 26, 2026

A NEW pilot scheme designed to support children and young people after they have been arrested has been launched across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The Reachable Moments project aims to ensure those brought into custody receive the right help at the right time. The force will work with an Adferiad Reachable Moments worker to engage with young people, explore the causes of offending and steer them towards positive life choices.

Dyfed-Powys Police says wider scrutiny measures introduced over the past year have already reduced the number of children passing through custody. In 2024, 432 children were arrested and taken into custody. By the end of 2025, that figure had fallen to 326, following measures including closer oversight of decisions to arrest children.

While every encounter in custody can represent a “reachable moment” – a critical opportunity for early intervention – the new project aims to reduce the numbers further by offering support when young people may be most receptive to change.

Chief Inspector Jenna Jones said: “While we, as a force, are focusing on prevention and intervention in the community to prevent a child from ending up in custody, we recognised and acknowledged that there was a significant gap in support once a child is arrested and brought into custody.

“When young people are arrested or held in custody, they often spend long periods waiting to be processed or interviewed. This waiting time presents a crucial reachable moment – a window of opportunity where a trained professional can engage with the young person at a time they have less influence from peers or family members who contribute to their offending, and when they may be more open to support.

“Our ultimate aim is to break the cycle of offending, and positively influence them into making changes to their behaviour.”

Launched on Sunday (Jan 12), 2026, the pilot provides a 24/7 on-call service for custody staff, allowing officers to request immediate support from a Reachable Moments Worker (RMW).

The worker will attend the custody unit to:

Engage with the young person in a safe, one-to-one setting
Provide emotional support, practical guidance and short-term mentoring
Seek to understand the root causes of the offending behaviour
Link them to diversionary activities, community services and longer-term support to help prevent reoffending

The project is being delivered by Adferiad, a Welsh charity providing support for people with mental health and substance use needs, as well as other complex problems. Dyfed-Powys Police already works with the charity through its Appropriate Adult service operating across custody suites in the force area.

“For this project, Adferiad’s experience in supporting children and young people is key,” Ch Insp Jones said.

“A child being brought into custody is at a critical point, and one at which they often feel vulnerable, uncertain and isolated. They might be at risk of exploitation, gang involvement, or falling into a cycle of reoffending.

“This also might just be that moment they decide to engage.

“Reachable Moments workers are trained professionals, distanced from any statutory authorities, who can provide non-judgemental support in a safe place, helping the young person to reflect on their situation and consider alternative paths.

“They will build a trusting relationship, offering emotional support and guidance, and help prevent further harm, trauma and future involvement in crime, as well as reducing the trauma caused from just being in custody as a child.”

Following the initial meeting in custody, the Reachable Moments worker will maintain contact with the young person to arrange follow-up appointments and help ensure relevant agencies are also involved.

The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dyfed-Powys Police said a full evaluation will be carried out after the pilot period to inform a decision on whether the project should continue.

Crime

Mid Wales peace activist arrested outside court after Palestine Action ruling

Published

12 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

17 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Court Reporter

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

Published

17 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

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.