The residents of Dyfed-Powys are to have a say in the punishment of low-level offenders.

Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon is asking how they would like offences such as minor criminal damage, low-value theft and non-injury assaults to be dealt with.

Community Remedy measures, backed by new legislation, will be introduced across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys this autumn.

Victims will choose a punishment from a list of options. A questionnaire launched on Friday lets residents tell Mr Salmon which options should be on that list.

He said: “I want crime victims to have a voice and Community Remedy allows that.

“It will deliver swift justice and will see minor offending nipped in the bud. Justice will be given to our communities and to those directly affected by low-level crime.

“I urge the public to complete my questionnaire and tell me which punishments should be offered.”

Community Remedy is aimed at dealing with first-time offenders who have admitted to a low-level misdemeanour and have expressed remorse.

The punishments may be either punitive, restorative or rehabilitative. They may take the form of a payment towards local victim services, a written apology, anger management counselling or another measure.

An offender declining a Community Remedy can face more formal police action.

To Be The Judge, visit www.bit.ly/DPCRsurvey, phone 01267 226457 or request a form by writing to OPCC, PO Box 99, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, SA31 2PF. The questionnaire closes at midnight on Friday, July 18.