Wales Office Minister Nick Ainger has reinforced the Government's commitment to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in Dyfed Powys. Following a meeting of the National Policing Board, Mr. Ainger said: "Since 1997 the Government has pumped an increase of £149m into the police service in Wales with total funding for 2007/08 reaching over £450m through a range of funding streams. This funding is making a real difference to communities in Dyfed Powys. In 2007/08, in terms of police general grant, Dyfed Powys will receive 23 per cent more than in 1997 taking their funding to £51.8m. "We now have over 7,500 police officers in Wales which is almost 1,000 more than in 1997. In Dyfed Powys, as at September 2006, there were 169 more officers than in March 1997. "And it's a similar story for Police Community Support Officers.  Most recent figures show there are 677 Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) in Wales and this is expected to grow even further during 2007/08. Latest figures show there are 78 PCSOs in Dyfed Powys.  "These extra officers have helped us to increase detection rates and reduce crime levels, including levels of violent crime and burglary. Proof of this was seen in the Police Performance Assessments 2005/2006 where Dyfed-Powys force was assessed as excellent in the delivery of the 'Reducing Crime' and 'Citizen Focus' performance areas. "Neighbourhood policing teams are now building on that success, bringing police services closer to the communities they serve. "My membership of the National Policing Board means Wales has a clear voice on police matters within government."