Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said he intends to maintain police presence, with at least one police constable dedicated to every town centre, following the positive work from community support officers.
Llywelyn confirmed this to NFRN member Vince Malone who visited him on Wednesday (15 September) as part of the trade body’s efforts to raise the importance of retail crime.
The NFRN are meeting with PCCs to push for the inclusion of business crime – particularly relating to retail crime – in the commissioner’s upcoming crime plans. This consists of high and low value theft, hate crime and abuse, vandalism, and robbery.
Llywelyn told Malone that he understood the severity of retail crime, welcoming any changes necessary for his police force. The commissioner also spoke about his initial steps to tackle antisocial behaviour in town centres, noting the Business Improvement District which has delivered more CCTV systems throughout the county.
Malone raised issues concerning police response time in the area, telling the commissioner that he previously waited 11 days for a follow-up after an incident of shoplifting. Another common theme was that retailers tend to rectify crime incidents themselves rather than wait for force intervention.
Malone also expressed his issues with the force’s CCTV online uploading system, stating his area and other rural locations are renowned for connectivity issues, and an alternative for this crime reporting protocol is needed.
Dyfed-Powys Police covers over half the land mass of Wales.
