Police to wear cameras at Llanidloes Fancy Dress event

Body cameras will be worn by police officers at this year's Llanidloes Fancy Dress in a bid to stamp out bad behaviour that has blighted previous events, Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed today.

Officers will wear the cameras for the first time in an attempt to make the event a "fun and safe environment" for all and to ensure local residents feel safe.

In previous years the event, which sees hundreds of people from across Mid Wales and Shropshire drinking in the streets, has been blighted by trouble.

Dyfed-Powys Police will be using the body cameras as well as CCTV cameras throughout the town.

Sergeant Jonathan Rees, of Llanidloes Police, said he was urging everybody who attends the event on July 1 to have a safe and responsible time.

He said: "I would encourage everyone who comes to Llanidloes to enjoy the event and respect the local host community.

"The fancy dress attracts people from across the UK and brings a fantastic party atmosphere to town.

"However, our main priority is to ensure the safety of the communities of Dyfed-Powys and maintain their confidence in the police service.

"We will act decisively in respect of those who intend to behave inappropriately."

Officers will be carrying out regular patrols not only around the vicinity of the event, but also into the wider locality.

"We have many elderly people in this area who need reassuring that officers are out there," he added.