Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner visited Tenby and Pembrokeshire this week, to discuss amongst issues, the impact of retail crime - particularly shoplifting, on the commercial landscape.
On Tuesday, February 6, PCC Dafydd Llywelyn went on a Community Engagement Day, reinforcing connections and addressing local concerns within some of Pembrokeshire’s communities.
The day commenced with a productive meeting between the PCC and the Pembrokeshire Youth Offending Team, who were collaborating with School Beat Police Officers at Haverfordwest High School, to deliver an impactful 'Crime Time' session to Year 8 students, aimed at developing awareness and prevention strategies.
The workshop at Haverfordwest High was followed by a visit to Pembroke Dock Port, where discussions took place with officers from the Force's Marine unit about the challenges faced in policing the coastal regions of Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthenshire.
The PCC also had an update on combatting organised immigration crime and the work that is being carried out to safeguard our borders.
Continuing the day's agenda, the PCC engaged with Pembrokeshire's Superintendent to discuss local challenges, and how the Force are locally taking a proactive policing approach, and ensuring effective public engagement.
The PCC extended the conversation to the streets of Tenby, where he joined officers on foot patrol, engaging with local businesses, including Tenby Stores, where he met with manager Vince Malone to discuss the impact of retail crime, particularly shoplifting, on the commercial landscape.
The day concluded with a briefing on rural crime with Dyfed-Powys Police's Pembrokeshire Rural Crime Team in Narberth.
Discussions centred on collaborative efforts to support and protect our farming community, highlighting the crucial role that the Officers play in safeguarding rural livelihoods.
Reflecting on the day's engagements, Mr Llywelyn reiterated the importance of community collaboration in tackling prevailing issues.
“My community engagement day today was an opportunity to actively listen to some of the concerns and challenges faced in Pembrokeshire,” he said.
“Our partnership with Youth Offending Teams in an example of our proactive approach to youth empowerment and crime prevention, equipping young people with knowledge and strategies to make positive choices in life.
“By working collaboratively with local partners, we can build safer and more resilient communities.”
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Chief Officer for Youth & Community Education, Steve Davis, said: “The Police & Crime Commissioners visit to Haverfordwest High VC School to see the delivery of the Crime Time prevention project was greatly appreciated.
“The project he visited involves pupils from Ysgol Harri Tudur putting on a play of a crime committed by a young person, followed by a number of workshops to explore the impact and consequences of crime.
“The programme is delivered by Police School Beat Officers, The Youth Service, The Youth Justice Team, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Magistrates.
“This is normally delivered annually across all of our secondary schools and is a cornerstone in our crime prevention work with young people.”