Dyfed Powys police chief defends force record on rural crime

Suspected cannabis farms have been found in in Llandysul, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Welshpool, Carmarthen, Tycroes and Newcastle Emlyn during 2024.

Dr Lewis admitted the “vastness” of the force area, which covers more than half of Wales, did make policing more challenging.

A recent Freedom of Information request, external revealed that, on 1 October 2024, of the 1310 warranted police officers on the force’s books, 55 were absent due to sickness, with a further 138 officers on restricted duty, totalling nearly 15% of the workforce.

Dr Lewis said the figures were a reflection of the pressures of the job.

“Particularly during this time of year, a number of our officers and staff are assaulted by members of the community. That leads to them being off work,” he said.

“Beyond that, the number of traumatic events the police officers and staff and special constables deal with at Dyfed Powys Police and in any force in England and Wales means that it has a material impact.

“We do all we can to support those officers and staff during the difficult time in their career.”