Kirsty Williams, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for Brecon and Radnorshire, has welcomed news that the Dyfed-Powys area is the safest place to live in Wales and England.

The County Times reported earlier this week that new figures from the home office showed the area was the safest in the region for so-called ‘victim-based crimes’ including sexual offences, robbery, burglary and murder.

Statistics show that for the year ending September 2018 there were 43.1 victim-based crimes per 1,000 people living in the force area. West Yorkshire was ranked at the other end of the scale with 104.9 victims of crime per 1,000 people.

Kirsty Williams said it reflected well opn the strength of Mid Wales communities.

“This is an opportunity to thank our police officers and other emergency service staff; the figures are a result of their tireless work in difficult circumstances," she said

"It also reflects well on Mid-Wales and the strength of our communities.

“Of course we can’t be complacent about the issues we face and I welcome the police force committing to tackling these challenges.”

Nationwide, the report noted a 3% increase in vehicle offences, a 17% increase in robbery offences, continuing increases seen in previous years, and a 1% decrease in burglary and shoplifting offences.

Welsh Liberal Democrat County Councillor William Powell, a member of the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel, added:

“I commend the personnel of Dyfed-Powys Police who, despite the impact of Home Office cuts, work tirelessly with the utmost professionalism, dedication and courage.

“These positive crime statistics are a testament to their work.”