More officers on streets as government doubles funding
WALES is set to see a surge in neighbourhood policing as the government doubles its funding to £200 million, aiming to restore a visible police presence in local communities.
The investment, which builds on December’s initial £100 million pledge, is intended to reverse years of declining police numbers on the streets. Each of Wales’s four police forces will receive a significant funding boost:
- Dyfed-Powys Police: Up to £160.4m – a 5.9% increase
- Gwent Police: Up to £193.3m – a 5.8% increase
- North Wales Police: Up to £223.0m – a 6.1% increase
- South Wales Police: Up to £434.3m – a 6.2% increase
More boots on the ground
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the funding as a “turning point” for policing, stating: “By doubling extra neighbourhood funding to £200m, we are giving forces across the country what they need to put more officers and PCSOs where they’re needed most – on our streets and in our town centres.”
She added that dedicated officers who understand their local areas will help tackle crime before it escalates, with new powers being introduced to further support policing efforts.
The investment is part of the Safer Streets initiative, which will see 13,000 additional officers, PCSOs, and special constables deployed in communities across the country. While the full impact will take time, this first year of funding signals the government’s commitment to making it a priority.
North Wales leads the way
The success of #RenewRhyl, a policing initiative in North Wales, has been highlighted as an example of what dedicated local policing can achieve. The scheme has led to a 14% drop in recorded crime, showing how increased police visibility can make a real difference.
Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, welcomed the extra funding, saying: “Neighbourhood policing is at the heart of my plan for fighting crime in North Wales. Initiatives like #RenewRhyl show that when local people are put at the heart of policing, we see real results.”
Chief Superintendent Owain Llewellyn echoed these sentiments, saying: “We have been clear throughout that this is for the community and involving the community. We have had fantastic support and buy-in from local people who have worked with us to identify the priorities for their areas.”
A long-term commitment
With more funding expected in this autumn’s spending review, the government says this is just the beginning of a wider push to strengthen policing. Plans include giving officers new powers through the Crime and Policing Bill, such as Respect Orders to tackle anti-social behaviour in town centres.
Every neighbourhood will also have a named, contactable officer, ensuring that communities know who to turn to for local policing issues.
With more officers, stronger powers, and local priorities shaping the approach, the government says it is backing the police to deliver the safer streets people deserve.
