Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Defends Force’s Actions Amidst Rural Crime Concerns

Dr. Richard Lewis, the chief constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, stated that his force is adopting a “proactive” approach to tackle rural crime. This follows a series of quad bike thefts from agricultural properties and the uncovering of significant cannabis cultivation sites within urban areas. He reported that Dyfed-Powys Police achieved an 18% reduction in crime during the year ending June 2024, a figure exceeding the average decrease across Wales and England by more than four times. Dr. Lewis attributed the increased discovery of cannabis farms to the force’s prioritization of “drugs.” He also noted that these operations are growing “more sophisticated,” frequently concealed within “buildings within buildings.” This statement comes after NFU Cymru, an agricultural organization, issued a warning that rural communities in west Wales were facing a “crime wave.” Dyfed-Powys Police recently verified that a minimum of 60 quad bike thefts took place within its jurisdiction in 2024. With new quad bikes costing up to £10,000 each, Dr. Lewis acknowledged the seriousness of these offenses but defended the force’s efforts against those responsible. He stated, “There have been recent prosecutions for offences and arrests and remands as well as the capture of some stolen quad bikes in Pembrokeshire,” adding, “We are dealing with a number of offences from different areas of the force area.” Dr. Lewis reported that his force has confiscated cannabis valued at £15 million since January 2023. “They’re becoming more sophisticated in terms of the way they set up their cannabis grows, particularly those in commercial premises. They bypass the electricity in about 80% of the occasions.” He further explained, “Very often, they are hiding in plain sight. They are building buildings within buildings, to hide what they’re doing.” When questioned about potential embarrassment regarding the discovery of a cannabis farm merely four doors away from the Newcastle Emlyn police station, he denied feeling embarrassed, characterizing it instead as a “success story.” He elaborated, “As a result of the information provided by the community, we discovered that farm,” and explained, “A cannabis grow takes about three months… it’s only in the short few weeks right towards the end that they start becoming smelly.” He concluded, “We’re being very proactive and as a result we’re finding more.” Throughout 2024, suspected cannabis cultivation sites have been located in Llandysul, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Welshpool, Carmarthen, Tycroes, and Newcastle Emlyn. Dr. Lewis acknowledged that the “vastness” of the force’s operational area, which encompasses over half of Wales, presents additional challenges for policing. According to a recent Freedom of Information request, as of 1 October 2024, 55 of the 1310 warranted police officers employed by the force were absent due to illness, with an additional 138 officers assigned to restricted duty. This combined total represents nearly 15% of the workforce. Dr. Lewis commented that these statistics reflect the demands inherent in the profession. He stated, “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 continued, “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.”