POLICE Community Support Officers were a welcome presence for businesses and vulnerable people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys over the festive period.

The message Dyfed-Powys Police during their Christmas campaign, called #OpSanta, was ‘presence not presents’.

PCSOs are the eyes and ears of police in communities – building relationships and gathering information that is crucial to tackling crime and antisocial behaviour.

A campaign, called #ThoseInBlue, has been recognising the work of PCSOs and the value they add to policing.

Dyfed-Powys Police temporary deputy chief constable, Richard Lewis, who leads the portfolio for PCSOs in Wales, said: “PCSOs are an integral part of the police family. It is different to being a warranted Police Officer, and is a career in its own right.

“PCSOs are not only the eyes and ears in our communities, but also help tackle problems which cause the most concern for people.

“PCSOs bring a wide range of skills and experience to the role and in the Dyfed-Powys area we have specialist PCSOs tackling rural crime, cyber crime and antisocial behaviour, and crime reduction experts.

“This Christmas, PCSOs will be a reassuring presence for some of the most vulnerable people living in towns, cities and villages across Wales.”

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