During the Covid-19 outbreak, the community spirit, adaptability and resilience shown across communities in Mid-Wales, has been commendable. From local volunteer support groups being expeditiously set up at the start of lockdown, to community councils adapting to ensure that local democracy can continue remotely. Yet despite this, I know that many feel vulnerable to criminality, particularly in rural areas where we have seen recent reports of farm thefts and illegal off-road reckless driving.
It is, therefore, great news that the UK Government is investing in policing across the whole of the UK. The extra 20,000 officers promised last year by the Prime Minister will mean that Dyfed Powys Police will receive an additional £7.4 million in funding and an extra 42 Police Officers.
Speaking to Conservative Party Members from Mid and West Wales at a recent online event, Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, commented that as well as funding commitments, the UK Government is working to increase powers for the police, so that they are better able to get on with their job and tackle crime. Whilst Mid and West Wales is one of the safest parts of the UK, we must not be complacent and I welcome the work that is being done in this regard.
I have also been pleased to speak recently with Jon Burns, the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner Candidate for Dyfed Powys. Jon is a committed candidate who is determined to ensure that Dyfed Powys Police have the support, powers and funding they need to keep all of our communities safe, no matter how rural!
Finally, I would like to publicly say that I am extremely thankful for the fantastic work that the Dyfed Powys police have been doing during the Covid-19 outbreak, supporting communities across Dyfed Powys on a daily basis. Thank you!
