16 police community support officers (PCSOs) have been taken off the streets in Dyfed-Powys in just one year, new Home Office statistics have revealed.

Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick has urged the UK Government to back community policing in response to the figures.

The new workforce statistics showed the number of full-time equivalent PCSOs in each police force as of September 2024, compared to September 2023. 235 PCSOs have been cut across England and Wales in that time period - with 150 officers being cut in the six months since March 2024.

The loss of 16 police community support officers (PCSOs) in just 12 months is a decrease of 10.4 per cent.

Across Wales, 150 PCSOs were slashed in just 12 months - plummeting by 15.9 per cent.

The new statistics come less than two months after the Government announced its new Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which included a pledge to recruit additional PCSOs.

Under the previous Government, more than 4,500 PCSOs were taken off the streets since 2015.

“The Conservatives decimated neighbourhood policing,” said Mr Chadwick.

“They ruthlessly cut community support officers who play a vital role on the frontlines, keeping our communities safe.

“The new Labour government has promised to fix this - but these figures will sow seeds of doubt for people worrying about crime and anti-social behaviour in Mid Wales.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling for a return to proper community policing, where officers are visible, trusted and focused on their local neighbourhoods.

“The Liberal Democrats will hold this government to account to ensure they implement the proper neighbourhood policing they have promised,” added Mr Chadwick.

“That means more Bobbies on the beat, doing what works to stop and solve crime in our communities.”