The Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel met on Friday, 18 July 2025, to discuss a range of issues including rising domestic burglaries, rural crime funding, and the Police and Crime Commissioner's annual report. The Panel received updates on the progress of the Police and Crime Plan, reviewed decisions made by the Commissioner, and noted reports on policing protocol performance and the OPCC's business plan.

Questions to the Police and Crime Commissioner

Professor Ian Roffe, Chair of the Panel, raised concerns about a recent BBC report highlighting a sharp rise in domestic burglaries in the Dyfed-Powys area for the year ending December 2024. Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Dafydd Llywelyn responded that the statistics represented a snapshot in time and that over a more extended period, domestic burglary offences had decreased. He noted that Dyfed-Powys Police had the third-lowest number of dwelling burglaries among all 43 police forces in England and Wales. The PCC outlined that the force was aware of a trend in Acquisitive Crime and was working with communities through Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams to offer advice on crime prevention. He also highlighted a significant 34% increase in dwelling burglary offences during winter months compared to summer.

Councillor Les George questioned the Police and Crime Commissioner regarding the Home Office's announcement of additional funding for the fight against Rural and Wildlife crime. The PCC clarified that the Home Office had not allocated specific funds or grants for rural and wildlife crime, but there might be general support for the Rural Crime Network and other initiatives. He confirmed that Dyfed-Powys Police has an established Rural Crime Team and that the OPCC is involved with the National Rural Crime Network and the Wales Wildlife and Rural Crime Strategy. The OPCC's Chief Finance Officer explained that while the Home Office pledged support, funding was directed to the Rural and Wildlife Crime Network rather than individual forces, though future funding to forces through the network might be possible.

Annual Report of the Police and Crime Commissioner

The Panel received the draft Annual Report of the Police and Crime Commissioner for 2024-2025. The PCC noted that the report had been revised for clarity on strategic activities, key projects, and funded pilot schemes. Questions were raised about the availability of findings from the 'Night Time Economy Analysis' conducted as part of the 'Serious Violence Duty', with the PCC agreeing to circulate these findings. Regarding the PCC's attendance at the Wales Anti-Slavery conference, the Commissioner described modern slavery and human trafficking as hidden, low-volume crimes, which have a high degree of harm, and confirmed that the Force has strategies in place and works closely with partners to manage these issues, citing Operation Scotney as a successful example. The Chair, on behalf of the Panel, conveyed complementary remarks to the authors of the report.

RESOLVED that the report be received.

Progress Report on Police and Crime Plan Priority 1

A progress report on Priority 1 of the Police and Crime Plan was presented. The Panel identified several focus areas for scrutinising force performance. The PCC acknowledged that the figure of over 40% of victims declining or withdrawing support each month for domestic abuse, stalking, harassment, and sexual offences was excessive, and initiatives were underway to reduce this figure, including the Domestic Abuse Video Response Unit (DAVRU). Regarding the reduced presence of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) at community meetings, the PCC explained this was likely due to the need for them to be active in other areas given the reduction in overall PCSO numbers and the Force's new strategy focusing on visible policing and problem-solving. The Panel raised questions about the extent to which Dyfed-Powys Police has focused on Restorative Justice, with the PCC asserting it required further exploration and investment. The PCC informed the Panel that the force was making progress towards the 95% target for 'Crime volumes, outcomes and data integrity' but could not provide complete assurance that every crime is recorded. The Commissioner confirmed the presence of victim-blaming in domestic abuse cases and noted that officers now receive training to identify it as part of Operation Soteria. The PCC also discussed recruitment and staff turnover, stating that recruitment is consistent but turnover remains a challenge, despite steps taken to mitigate retention issues.

RESOLVED that the report be received.

Decisions Made by the Police and Crime Commissioner

The Panel considered a report on decisions made by the Commissioner between 1 April and 30 June 2025. The PCC drew attention to the decision relating to the 'Select Committee', noting that its first activity had highlighted areas for learning. He also formally noted his lack of involvement in any aspect of the 'Calon Tysul Funding' decision due to geographical proximity to the beneficiaries.

RESOLVED that the report be received.

Policing Protocol - Performance Report

A performance report for Quarter 1 of the 2025-26 financial year was received. It was reported that performance had resulted in more Ambers than Greens, primarily attributed to the appointment of a new Chief Constable. Questions were raised about the 'Explore and maximise external funding opportunities' action, specifically the £1m Hotspot Action Fund and the opportunity to apply for Hywel Dda Funds. The PCC noted that the Hotspot Action Fund was allocated but had to be drawn from the Home Office, while the Hywel Dda Funds required further investigation. Regarding collaboration sites with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, the PCC reiterated that these arrangements were not a withdrawal of services but aimed to safeguard emergency service presence and ensure prudent use of finances.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

OPCC Business Plan - Progress Report

The Panel received the progress report of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner's (OPCC) Business Plan for Quarter 1 of the 2025-26 financial year. The report indicated that many areas were in initial phases of progress, although some significant developments had been realised, including with the Select Committee Approach.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

Review of the OPCC Business Plan for 2025-2026

The Panel reviewed the OPCC's Business Plan for 2025-2026. Changes had been implemented to reflect a greater focus on assessing progress on a longer-term basis and ensuring alignment with the Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.