The first of four new mobile police stations has arrived in Dyfed Powys, and will be deployed in the next few weeks to Pembrokeshire.
The new vehicles will be used by local police teams at community events, carnivals and local marts. Local teams will also use it to visit town centre and villages in rural communities on specific days and times.
Project lead, Superintendent Chris Curtis said, “We are really pleased with the new mobile police stations. They are fully equipped with the technology that our local police teams need to carry out their work in our communities. They also have a seated area where we can speak to people about the work we are doing in their communities, share crime prevention advice and listen to reports of things that matter to our residents.
“The new mobile police stations will be used in our communities for local events as well as be deployed to specific locations at the same time each month.
“We listened to what our residents wanted and have changed the way we organise meetings and surgeries. Instead of expecting people to come to our meetings, we will go to more places where people come together e.g., local marts, village centres and other local meetings that already take place. We really want to improve the way people living in our more rural and isolated communities can see us and speak to their local police teams, these new mobile police stations are one of the ways we are doing this.”
Assistant Chief Constable Liane James added, “These new mobile stations are a step away from the traditional police vehicle we have used in the past and are just one of the ways that we are improving the way we are visible in our rural communities.
“They are designed to be easily spotted and look inviting for the public to visit. They also act as a base for local officers to use in communities that may not have previously had any operational police base or station. You can go and meet your local police team, find out what they are doing in your area and get the latest crime prevention advice on a range of issues from spotting cyber scams and protecting your property from opportunist thieves.”
Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon said: “I encourage local residents to pop into a mobile police station and get to know their local policing teams. I want officers to know – and be known – in their communities. That way we build trust and confidence. I’m glad that senior officers are encouraging the effort needed to build grassroots relationships.”
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