Crime

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

Published

3 months ago

January 28, 2024

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.

***New budgets: Some of the increase in council tax will go towards the police***

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policing in mid-December 2023, that the totality of funding for the All-Wales Schools programme (£0.3m) would be withdrawn from 1^st April 2024.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address the pressing need to safeguard vital aspects of community policing initiatives and to counteract the impact of withdrawn government funding.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

Pembrokeshire man admits to strangulation while intoxicated

Published

1 day ago

May 11, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN a hearing at Swansea Crown Court this week (May 10), a Pembrokeshire man, Lee Morgan, 42, of Green Close in Steynton, admitted to one count of strangulation under the influence of alcohol. However, he denied further charges related to another incident involving the same victim.

The court was informed that Morgan had no recollection of the incidents due to his intoxication. On April 5, 2023, he allegedly strangled a woman and committed battery. He pleaded guilty to the strangulation but denied the battery charge. A second accusation of strangulation was made against Morgan for an incident that occurred on April 30, 2023. This later accusation only came to light during the police investigation of the initial charges and was not reported at the time it occurred.

Prosecutor Ieuan Rees accepted Morgan’s pleas on behalf of the prosecution, indicating that the focus would be on the charges to which Morgan had admitted guilt. Defense attorney David Singh highlighted Morgan’s ongoing issues with alcohol, which he claimed contributed to his client’s lack of memory regarding the incident.

Presiding Judge Geraint Walters has ordered the preparation of a pre-sentence report and remanded Morgan back into custody. Morgan is scheduled to appear in court again on May 31 for further proceedings.

The case continues to develop as the community and legal system grapple with the serious allegations and Morgan’s admission of guilt under the influence of alcohol.

Crime

Former Pembroke Dock mayor admits child abuse image charges

Published

2 days ago

May 10, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AT Swansea Crown Court on Friday (May 10), former Pembroke Dock Mayor Terry Judkins has pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children.

Judkins, who held office as mayor from May 2021 until his resignation in November 2021, faced multiple charges related to child abuse images.

The court heard that Judkins was charged with creating two Category C indecent images of children and possessing a prohibited image of a child during a period spanning from September 27, 2018, to August 5, 2021.

The 55-year-old admitted to these offences in a hearing that has drawn considerable attention.

However, Judkins denied charges related to possessing extreme pornographic images that depicted bestiality, covering a timeline from January 2010 to August 2021.

Prosecutor Helen Randall indicated that the Crown would pursue a trial on these allegations given Judkins’ not guilty plea.

Additional charges against Judkins include making 52 Category A indecent images of children within the same dates as his earlier admissions.

The former mayor has been granted extra time to consider his plea on this charge, with a future court appearance scheduled for a later date.

This case has cast a shadow over Judkins’ brief tenure as mayor. He resigned last year citing personal reasons and extra work commitments.

Crime

Re-elected Crime Commissioner embarks on new term in office

Published

2 days ago

May 10, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RE-ELECTED Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Dafydd Llywelyn begun his new term in office this week with a series of key meetings aimed at shaping his strategic vision for the region’s policing priorities over the next four years.

The Commissioner’s first official day was Thursday 9^th of May, and saw key discussions taking place, beginning with a meeting with the Chief Constable to gain an update from Dyfed-Powys Police on operational matters, and also to outline his vision and priorities for the new term in Office.

In addition, the Commissioner met with staff from his Office for discussions on the development of a new Police and Crime Plan for Dyfed-Powys for 2025-2029. The Police and Crime Plan will be the strategic blueprint that will represent the Commissioner’s vision and priorities, further reinforcing his dedication to delivering effective and efficient policing services tailored to the needs and expectations of our diverse communities.

In coming weeks, the Commissioner’s Office will launch a public consultation on the new Police and Crime Plan, whereby the public will have an opportunity to have their say on policing and crime matters in their area. Online questionnaires and focus groups will form part of the consultation, to ensure that the Office provides plenty of opportunities for communities to have their say.

Reflecting on his ambitions for the upcoming term, Mr Llywelyn expressed that his focus will be on improving public confidence and trust in policing: “I am honoured to be re-elected as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys for my third successive term.

“As I start this new term in Office, I am committed to build on the achievements to date and address the challenges that lie ahead.

“My vision is clear: to develop safer communities for all through proactive crime prevention and ensuring a justice system that is both fair and efficient.

“I will work in collaboration with the Force and other criminal agency partners to ensure transparency and accountability, to ensure that we can we work collectively to improve public trust and confidence in policing.

“Your safety will continue to be my top priority. I want to ensure that the Dyfed Powys Police area remains one of the safest places to live in Wales and England”.