Dyfed-Powys Police’s ‘Winter of Action’ campaign, will see focus fixed on three Pembrokeshire towns, as part of the scheme, targeting town centre criminality, shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour.

The force’s Winter operation is underway as teams across Dyfed-Powys come together to support the Home Office Winter of Action campaign.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police stated: “During our Winter of Action, our focus on hotspots continues as we join up with partners across Dyfed and Powys to ensure that all our communities feel safe this festive season.

“Throughout the festive period our teams will be focusing on reducing town centre criminality, shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour with targeted patrols, engagement with local businesses and operations.

“These operations continue into the night-time economy, with the campaign also including steps to tackle violence against women and girls and alcohol related ASB and violence.”

Supporting the campaign is also Operation Ivydene. Dyfed-Powys Police, with support from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, received almost half a million pounds in 2024, to combat antisocial behaviour (ASB) across the force area in a dedicated response. During year one, it delivered over 12,000 hours of dedicated patrols in hot spot areas, with reports of ASB reduced by 40%.

Building on the success of year one, Operation Ivydene’s second year commenced this autumn. Inspector Darren Crockford said: “Our aim is to build upon what we have gathered and learned from year one. Whilst we are still working towards the original aim of reducing ASB, there is now an added emphasis on reducing serious violent crime, knife crime and retail crime.

“So far, over 2,050 hours of patrols have taken place across our hotspots, with over 70% of those patrols including engaging with businesses, charities and third sector organisations.”

Operation Ivydene now operates in the following towns:

· Pembrokeshire – Haverfordwest, Milford Haven and Pembroke

· Carmarthenshire – Ammanford, Llanelli and Carmarthen

· Ceredigion – Aberystwyth and Lampeter

· Powys – Newtown and Llandrindod Wells

Community engagement remains key to the success of the operation. During the first year of Operation Ivydene, over 6,300 surveys were conducted with communities.

Inspector Crockford continued: “Our survey responses have been key in capturing how our communities feel. Providing us with invaluable data to understand and address the concerns of those working and living in the hotspot areas.”

From high streets, to highways, the force’s Roads Policing Units are taking to the roads this festive season, patrolling with a focus on drink and drug driving.

But speeding, using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt, driving without due care, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can all lead to fatal and serious collisions - and are the most frequently reported causes of a fatal collision, known as the ‘Fatal 5’.

A police spokesperson continued: “In Dyfed-Powys we police more than 8500 miles of roads. It is only by working together we can promote safer driving on every single one of them to improve road safety and ultimately help save lives.

“This is a particularly poignant time of year, but at any time, if you’re driving, don’t feel pressured into making any choices you’ll regret. The responsibility to remain safe and sober behind the wheel lies with you.”