New top cop pledges low-level crime purge

9:00am Saturday 6th September 2008

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The new Dyfed-Powys Police chief constable has set out his plans for Pembrokeshire.

Ian Arundale was appointed in June following the controversial departure of Terry Grange, who retired following allegations of financial irregularities and computer misuse.

Dyfed-Powys is a very high performing force and what I’m keen to do is build upon the solid foundations that already exist here

Dyfed-Powys Police chief constable, Ian Arundale

Mr Arundale, the former deputy chief constable of West Mercia Constabulary, said he was privileged to take on the top job and has been busy meeting with staff and being introduced across the force, collating information which he hoped to use to set out future development.

The 49-year-old said: “Dyfed-Powys is a very high performing force and what I’m keen to do is build upon the solid foundations that already exist here.”

He pledged the force would concentrate on low-level crimes of public concern, and ensure that the service provided by officers is as they would hope to give to their own relatives.

Mr Arundale added: “We have to utilise technology and make sure neighbourhood policing is effective.”

He said he was impressed and pleased with the skills and expertise shown by staff to deal with recent situations.

“There have been three murders in three months (across the entire force area), when the average is three a year, so balancing and deploying our resources effectively has been important,” he said.

At a press conference held at Haverfordwest police station, divisional commander of Pembrokeshire, chief inspector Dean Richards, said that police would be increasing patrols in alcohol-related crime hot-spots in the county.

The areas include Castle Square and Quay Street in Haverfordwest, Main Street in Pembroke and Hamilton Terrace and Charles Street in Milford Haven.