POLICE in Aberaeron have been accused of a “lacklustre” response to a spate of vandalism and petty thefts in the town.

Town councillors are now seeking urgent talks with senior Dyfed-Powys Police officers amid claims of “poor communication” and “inadequate cover”.

Back in April, county councillor Elizabeth Evans warned that the town would be left with “a second-class police service” after the Cambrian News revealed that the town’s police station – along with Lampeter’s – would be left unmanned overnight during the week.

Both towns, it emerged, would be covered by night-time patrols from Aberystwyth and Cardigan.

Now an angry Cllr Evans – who fiercely criticised “a lack of consultation” prior to the move – is demanding an explanation from police following the recent mini crimewave, which took place between 8 and 9 July.

“I’ve spoken to the inspector in Lampeter because I feel communication has to be improved particularly after last weekend’s incidence of vandalism in town,” Cllr Evans told fellow town councillors last week.

“It’s important to update us because we get questions from the community, so when we’re kept in the dark it’s not great.

“It was a poor response last weekend. We’re also talking lack of cover and poor communication during the handover period between shifts when incoming officers don’t seem to be given the necessary information.”

She told colleagues the town’s Pier Cottage was broken into, two cars were badly damaged on two separate occasions and a bike and generator were stolen.

In addition, a spate of damage had been reported at the town’s allotments.

Ceredigion Superintendent Robyn Mason said: "We will be speaking with members of Aberaeron Town Council and are looking forward to working with them to deal with any issues of concern in the town.

"While recent changes to the location of police officers in the early hours of the morning mean police stations are not physically manned, members of the public should not have experienced any change in the level of police service they receive.

“Changes in policing structure and our use of technology make the physical occupation of police stations less important than it used to be.”

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