"Neighbourhood Policing was introduced after it became apparent that despite a drop in overall crime every year since 1997, the perception and fear of crime in communities was still in abundance.

NPT's serve to improve confidence in such communities by ensuring that their neighbourhoods are not only safe but also feel safer.

NPT's consist primarily of dedicated Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who are assigned to a particular beat area.

Local NPTs also work in partnership with other agencies to address community issues where needed.

Neighbourhood Policing has reintroduced the old concept of the "bobby on the beat" with NPT officers being able to conduct daily high visibility foot patrols in their beat areas, engaging with and interacting with the local community once again.

This is leading to increased trust and confidence towards the police, as well as increased feelings of security amongst communities.

Reduction of crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) is also achieved as police, partner agenices and local communities work together in problem solving and intelligence gathering.

The Police Community Surgeries are held twice a week and are an opportunity for the local community to come and meet their local neighbourhood officers and report any community problems or issues that they may have. These are held at the following times:

Police Community Surgeries

Every Tuesday 1pm-2pm
Location: F5, Meeting Room of the Student's Union building, UWA Campus

Every Wednesday 6pm-7pm
Location: 24 Hour Spar, Terrace Rd, Aberystwyth

Also there is a Dyfed-Powys Police non-emergency number to report such problems to at other times. The number is: 0845 330 2000. Obviously 999 should still be used in all emergencies."

Article written by Lucy Dolloway