Mayor of Pembroke, Clr. Aden Brinn, welcomed Inspector Glyn Johnson and Sergeant Lesley Buckle to a recent meeting of the town council and invited both officers to give a presentation to members.

Inspector Johnson informed council that he had recently been posted to Pembroke Dock Police Station with responsibility for operational policing within South Pembrokeshire and Sergeant Buckle was in charge of the Pembroke Neighbourhood Policing Team.

He gave an overview of the recent re-structuring that has taken place within the Dyfed-Powys Police and the technology that had been introduced recently to improve efficiency.

This technology identified local crime 'hot spots' and allows users to see what offences are committed at or close to key locations.

Computers have recently been installed in police vehicles that enable officers to update the command and control system without the need to return to the police station, thereby allowing officers to spend more time on patrol.

Inspector Johnson outlined the current policing priorities, namely tackling drugs, anti-social behaviour and violent crime.

On a local level, anti-social behaviour, under-age drinking, solvent abuse and criminal damage in Main Street was being addressed by the Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Sergeant Buckle gave details of initiatives and projects to deal with these problems, including identifying the main offenders, arranging diversionary activities, speaking to retail outlets in respect of solvent abuse and conducting regular visits to premises licensed to sell alcohol.

A general discussion ensued on a number of issues including the use made of the town's CCTV system, 'naming and shaming' offenders and graffiti at the Co-operative supermarket.

In conclusion, Clr. Brinn thanked both officers for attending the meeting and it was agreed that an officer would attend council meetings on a regular basis to provide an update to council.