Newtown PCSO honoured for dedication to rural crime prevention

A Newtown based police officer has been recognised for his exceptional work tackling rural crime across Powys.

PCSO Gary Gwilt, who has worked with Dyfed-Powys Police for more than 20 years, received the Rural PCSO of the Year award at the Wales Wildlife and Rural Crime Conference 2025 in Cardiff.

Gary, who covers rural crime across the whole of Powys, is based in Newtown and has played a key role in building trust and tackling criminal activity in some of the county’s most isolated communities. He was praised for his “unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions” to rural policing.

Speaking after receiving the award, he said: “I didn’t expect to have an award and I was incredibly shocked. I am very humbled to receive the award, especially as it is part and parcel of my job. It is lovely to be recognised and for rural crime to be highlighted.

“I joined the police as I enjoy helping the community and I am a very community-spirited person. I like being able to make a difference, especially in the rural communities. We are helping to make a change and ensure the rural communities are represented more.”

Gary began his career as a special constable and has led on several high-profile heritage crime investigations throughout the Dyfed-Powys force area. His work has contributed to a drop in rural crime, according to senior officers.

Detective Sergeant Paul Roberts, of the Rural Crime Team, said: “Gary is one of those people that goes about his business quietly and without any fuss, and he deserves this award. His crime prevention work has made a real difference.”

Inspector Darren Crockford added: “PCSO Gary Gwilt’s dedication to rural policing demonstrates his outstanding commitment to ensuring rural communities are represented and their voices heard, often in challenging environments. His work makes a real difference.”

Also recognised at the conference was PC Charlie Jones, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in rural and wildlife crime across Powys over nearly three decades.

The conference, held in Cardiff, set out the Welsh Government’s new Wales Wildlife and Rural Crime Strategy 2025–2028.