Crimestoppers has announced a significant increase in the number of reports it has received of criminal activity in Dyfed-Powys in 2016.

The independent charity received 506 anonymous reports from the public in the last financial year. This is an increase of 185 compared to the previous year.

More information is now passed to the charity through its online reporting form than through the Crimestoppers phone number. This is expected to rise with the recent addition of the Welsh language online reporting facility.

Over 250 of the reports received were about drug-related crime and 150 contacts were recorded about drink-drivers and road traffic offenders.

Ella Rabaiotti, Wales regional manager for Crimestoppers, said: “This is such a beautiful part of Wales with low crime levels. People clearly care about their communities and want to feel safe and see crime addressed.

“We recognise it’s sometimes difficult to come forward in person in a small community, so it’s pleasing that people know the information they give to us will be passed on to the police or other agencies without them having to reveal their identity.”

Detective Superintendent Dave Guiney, from Dyfed Powys Police, said: “Crimestoppers continues to be a key third sector partner in helping to detect crime in Dyfed-Powys.

“Crimestoppers provides an alternative way for people to report crime anonymously.

“Pooling of this information with reports we receive directly from the public, helps us build a better picture of what is happening in our communities that requires police action and helps us focus on making our communities safer.”

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through our anonymous online form.