A traditional style of policing, using up-to-date technology to support them, is the aim of the local constabulary based at Whitland.

Following reorganisation in the boundaries of the Dyfed Powys police force earlier this year, the town and its surrounding area now comes under the Carmarthenshire division and, as a result, the section was appointed new officers.

Headed by Sergeant Ian Richards, the team at the St. Mary's Street station includes three police constables, Terry Dyer, Carl Mann and Shaun Syddall, who are keen to provide a quality service to residents and business people of their area, which includes St. Clears, Clunderwen, Glandy Cross, Llanboidy, Laugharne and Pendine.

Originally from Haverfordwest, Sgt. Richards has 14 years police service under his belt. He joined the Thames Valley police in 1987 and after working with CID and the firearms team, he transferred to the Dyfed Powys force in July last year.

Bridgend-born PC Dyer also has a number of years experience with the police. He joined the Metropolitan force in 1986 and served there until moving to Carmarthen seven months ago, while PC Mann, who hails from St. Clears, has been a police officer for nearly 10 years and previously worked alongside Sgt. Richards in the Thames Valley force.

Whitland's other station member is Pembrokeshire-born PC Syddall. Currently on sick leave due to an injury sustained during training, he has 13 years experience, 10 years of which were spent in Carmarthen.

"We are all keen to use the traditional style of policing, but using up-to-date technology and IT hardware to support us," Sgt. Richards told the Observer this week.

"We aim to offer a quality service and be part of the community," he continued.

"We want to get to know the residents and business people and address the local issues that are concerning them. We are always here to help and offer assistance whenever we can."

Also as part of their community work, PC Dyer coaches the Whitland school rugby team, while Sgt. Richards is busy working on a play which will involve local youngsters and will raise awareness about drugs.

As well as dealing with incidents as and when they occur, the officers, who have a monthly crime detection rate of 70 per cent, mirror the Carmarthenshire division's priorities by working towards identifying the levels of youth offending, reducing the number of public disorder incidents, reducing the risks of road traffic accidents and cracking down on the use of illegal drugs, which has seen the officers involved in intelligence led policing methods.

In a bid to increase the level of mobile and foot patrols, the officers are also looking to recruit volunteers to man the station, deal with routine desk and telephone inquiries and assist with general administration, which enables them to go out on patrol.

In addition, the officers are also keen to recruit special constables to help them with their duties.

"Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer or a special will be given full training and we will willingly speak to anyone who would like to become involved," Sgt. Richards said.

"We want to adopt a policy of high visibility policing and by being seen out and about we hope that people will get to know us and come forward - if the case should arise - with information that may help us in our inquiries," he added.

The police station in Whitland is open daily from 9 am until 1 am and anyone interested in becoming a special constable, volunteer or has any information regarding any incidents is asked to contact the officers on (01994) 240223.