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Serious violence drops to zero in Llandudno

Serious violence drops to zero during successful operation. Incidents of serious violence late at night in Llandudno were reduced to zero over the weekends during one of the busiest periods of the year thanks to a police initiative. This story via the NWPF website. From mid June until the end of August, High visibility patrols calling in to every pub, club and bar in the town proved to be so successful that local District Inspector Ian Verburg has decided to continue with the work up to and including the Christmas period.
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What are some of Police officers doing?… REAL COMMUNITY POLICING

Old Colwyn (East) Residents’ Association www.oldcolwyneast.co.uk Minutes of the Open Meeting Wednesday 11th August 2010
Item 6 Local Police Report
PCSO Martyn Lewis was present and gave the following report.
Reference the antisocial behaviour, we have two problem groups and they are known. With regards to the problems two weeks ago, the Sergeant and Inspector have organised extra foot patrols to combat the problem, We are still taking alcohol off these people and asking people to ring the information in.
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Nominate a Neighbour

POLICE have introduced the 'nominate a neighbour' scheme in Slough in a bid to beat distraction burglars.The scheme encourages residents, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable, to seek the help of a neighbour, friend or relative when an unexpected caller appears at the door. Residents are encouraged to show a 'nominated neighbour' card to unexpected callers, rather than enter into conversation. The card directs the caller to a nominated neighbour who will verify the person's identity or check the visitor by phone.
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Rhyl thief jailed over Christmas for his 321st offence.

Dec 28 2009 by Dan Beavan, Daily Post
A THIEF was behind bars again on Christmas Day – the 14th time in the last 15 years he had been in jail for the festive period. Prolific shoplifter David Archer, 54, of Princess Road, Rhyl admitted stealing two bottles of whisky worth £25 from a store at Abergele on December 23. David Mainstone, prosecuting, told magistrates at Llandudno Archer had 320 previous offences. Archer was also ordered to pay £85 costs. The court heard he had also been given an ASBO for stealing charity boxes.
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Marshals have landed in West Rhyl

This story verbatim from the NWPF website
Last week saw the launch of West Rhyl Marshals. The Marshals are a voluntary community group made up of children and their families. Their aim is to address environmental issues and improve the area where they live around the West Rhyl Ward. They have all been issued with their own red high visibility jackets and matching baseball caps as part of the safety uniform. Action days will include clearing awaway rubbish, formulating reports to local authorities to reduce litter etc
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Booze fuelled yobs attack Anglesey advice centre

Jun 30 2009 by Owen R Hughes, Daily Post. DRUNKEN vandals smashed up a debt advice centre on Anglesey. The yobs used bricks to destroy three large windows and computer equipment at the Llangefni Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) – forcing the office on Ffordd yr Efail to close yesterday.It is second attack on the office in three weeks and follows incidents at the Holyhead CAB that left bosses having to put wire mesh over every window. North Wales Police have launched an investigation to track the vandals.
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North Wales Police bid to strengthen Neighbourhood Watch

Jun 22 2009 by Dan Beavan, Daily Post
VOLUNTEERS are needed for the fight against crime in Conwy. East Conwy Neighbourhood Policing Team are on the look-out for volunteers to help set up schemes in Towyn and play their part in helping to deter crime and anti-social behaviour.
The scheme already operates on two streets in the town but officers are keen on strengthening Neighbourhood Watch in the area and would like to see further groups being established.
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Major drugs bust across North Wales & Merseyside

TWENTY people have been arrested in Bangor, Caernarfon and Anglesey in a major drugs bust involving over 200 police in North Wales and Merseyside on Wednesday. The operation, which is still under way, followed concerns by the public about drug dealing in North Wales. By 9am officers had executed 20 warrants at different properties following a briefing in Bangor this morning. The searches at some of the properties are still continuing at this time. North Wales Police were supported by officers from Merseyside Police ...
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Just one knife yob receives maximum jail term

Despite the Government increasing maximum jail terms for carrying knives, Only one knife-carrying yob has received the maximum jail sentence of 4 years in the past year despite repeated Government promises to get tough on the crime. Figures released today reveal that of the 3,713 people sentenced to custody for possession of a knife in England and Wales between October 2007 and December last year, only one received a four-year term.
The majority of offenders - 52 per cent - received a sentence of up to three months.

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PM Supports Police Cashpoint Initiative

PM Supports Police Cashpoint Initiative 13-May-09 But the pilot came in for criticism from the Conservatives who said, 'It's troubling to think the government view this as achievable for police officers across the country'...
Gordon Brown yesterday urged police across England and Wales to offer to walk the last mile home with people who feel unsafe after they visit the cash point. He floated the idea, pioneered by the Wanstead neighbourhood police team in east London, when he delivered his first major speech about crime.
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Single Police Officers to govern the streets.

The Daily Telegraph reports that, in a return to more traditional policing, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner believes single officers will be more approachable than when walking with a partner and that they will "govern" the streets. It has been common practice to walk with a partner for the past 20 years, but the commissioner is seeking a "cultural shift" in a force which accounts for around a quarter of Britain's police. In a recent address to 2,000 staff and officers, Sir Paul said: ....
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Vandals target cars in Caernarfon

Jan 20 2009 by Kelly Fenna, Daily Post
VANDALS damaged cars in a spate of attacks in Bethel, near Caernarfon. A police spokeswoman said: “Four incidents took place overnight on December 29 and January 11, 14 and 19 in the village. These acts appear to be random and unprovoked.” The PPP comment …. Who is this nameless, faceless and dare we say, pointless, spokeswoman. What does she mean by random and unprovoked. Despite ‘incidents’ on the 11th the vandals felt perfectly safe returning on the 14th and the 19th. Will the Dai
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Flint says Dyna Ddigon! Enough is enough

From Friday 16th January 2009, North Wales Police and Flintshire County Council have started to operate a dispersal order in a bid to prevent large numbers of youths congregating in Cornist Park and the Windsor Drive areas of the town. The scheme is aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour, & will run until Wednesday 15th April 2009. Chief Superintendent Ruth Purdie has authorized for police officers and police community support officers to disperse a small group of individuals found to be behaving in an anti-social manner.
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Rise in car crime in North Wales

Jan 20 2009 By Martin Williams for Daily Post
MORE than 11 cars are slashed, burned, broken into and stolen every day across North Wales.
There were 4,133 incidents across the region in 2008, a 6% rise on the previous year, new figures show. Motorists are being urged to be extra vigilant when leaving their cars unattended. Yesterday North Wales police Inspector Gareth Jones confirmed the 4,133 number – which equates to around 80 crimes a week – includes stolen cars, theft from vehicles and smashed windows.
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CCTV stills issued following alleged robbery in Wrexham

North Wales Police have issued CCTV stills of a man they want to trace in connection with an alleged robbery at a toilet block in Wrexham in November. At around 12:45pm on Tuesday 11th November 2008 an incident occurred in the Albion Car Park toilets on St Giles Road whereby a man was approached and had his wallet, containing a small amount of cash and personal items stolen. The offender is described as being in his early 30s; about 6ft tall, of medium build. He was wearing a white baseball cap with a dark coloured peak.
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Christmas Anti Drink Drive campaign update

A campaign to crack down on drink driving over the Christmas period has seen nearly 5,000 breath tests being administered in North Wales in the first two weeks which began Monday 1st December
In the first two weeks of the month-long campaign, 45 arrests have been made after drivers failed breath tests in roadside stop checks. That's compared to 67 arrests this time last year.
The launch took place at the Celtic Royal Hotel in Caernarfon on Thursday, 27th of November attended by Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom.
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Denbigh music shop owner disgusted after £20,000 burglary

Nov 25 2008 by Daily Post. A BUSINESSMAN has spoke of his disgust after thieves burst into his store and stole nearly £20,000 worth of guitars and music equipment. Burglars forced their way into the Guitar Work shop in Vale Street, Denbigh and made off with 17 instruments and other equipment with a retail value of over £500 apiece. The rampaging offenders trashed the shop to get to the expensive items. Last night Chris Jones, who built the business from scratch nearly two years ago, said he has been left counting the cost.
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Series of Street Assaults in Colwyn Bay

Two teenagers and a man are being held on suspicion of robbery, attempted robbery and assault after three people were attacked over a half-hour period. Police said a 43-year-old man needed hospital treatment for a head injury after being robbed on Upper Promenade in Colwyn Bay on Wednesday evening. A man and a woman were attacked on a nearby footbridge later. Police said another incident then took place a few minutes later in which a teenager was assaulted. The police helicopter was called in after the first assault.
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Conwy shop staff fear drug gang

Sep 25 2008 by Richard Evans, North Wales Weekly News

SHOPS in Conwy town centre have closed early because of the threat posed by a gang of drug users. Staff say gang members are always loitering in and around St Mary’s churchyard and in an alley leading from the High Street. They admit to feeling harassed and are worried about what the youths might do next. Shopkeepers, who do not want to be named because they fear reprisals, say they have called the police several times but nothing has been done to disperse the gang.
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Underage booze sting in Flintshire

Sep 20 2008 By Carl Butler Daily Post
NEARLY a quarter of off licences tested in Flintshire sold booze to school children. Trading Standards boss Ron Hughes yesterday described the shocking figures as "unacceptable". During the school summer holidays, Flintshire’s trading standards officers carried out undercover tests at a sample of 50 off-licences – including some of the big supermarkets. Eleven shops failed the test and sold alcohol to youngsters aged 16 – and in one case 15 years of age.
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Six arrested as police uncover Conwy drugs factory

Sep 20 2008 by Hywel Trewyn, Daily Post
SIX people were arrested for drugs offences as police carried out a series of raids across Conwy.
Officers uncovered a cannabis factory and heroin and cocaine worth £3,000. The operation, which involved dozens of officers, took place on Wednesday and Thursday in Conwy. Police said there would be further raids in the future. The sting came in response to tip-offs from members of the public about drug dealing in the Llandudno, Llandudno Junction and Conwy areas.

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Another story from Devon and Cornwall Police

One of our supporters tells us this is a genuine complaint by e.mail to Devon & Cornwall Police Force.
Dear Sir/madam/automated telephone answering service,
Having spent the past twenty minutes waiting for someone at Bodmin police station to pick up a telephone I have decided to abandon the idea and try e-mailing you instead.Perhaps you would be so kind as to pass this message on to your colleagues in Bodmin, by means of smoke signal, carrier pigeon or Ouija board.As I'm writing this e-mail there are eleven failed ....
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Keeping children safe

A scheme, which aims to quickly re-unite children separated from their parents, has been launched in Llandudno and Colwyn Bay today (Monday 19th May).

Funded by the local Community Safety Partnership, the Conwy Child Safe scheme allows parents to obtain a free wristband from Boots, Mothercare, Early Learing Centre and Adams in the Victoria Centre and from Argos and Dorothy and Dorothy Perkins at the Bay View Centre, Colwyn Bay.The wristbands allow parents to write their mobile number on them, so if their children go astray, a phone call can reunite them.
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North Wales Police fear for safety

NORTH Wales Police has come under fire from its own officers for not putting enough officers on to cover at times when trouble could be expected.
Fed. representatives raised fears for officers’ safety on nights when drink-fuelled revellers were likely to pose a risk. The Police Federation also claimed staffing was cut on bank holidays in coastal towns – when they say it should have been increased in line with an influx of visitors. The organisation said the lack of flexibility in staffing levels was “not fair” on officer
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Cost of Crime in London hits £3 billion

On April 11 the Tax Payers Alliance released our contribution to the London Mayoral Debate, an in-depth study of the cost of crime in London. As well as providing breakdowns for different types of crime on a borough-by-borough basis across the capital, we calculated that crime now costs Londoners over £3 billion, more than £400 a head on average. Calculating the social and economic cost of different types of crime allows us to give a fair weighting to different offences that better reflects the impact of more serious crimes.
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Rhyl lifeboat raiders put lives at risk

THE busiest lifeboat station in Wales was crippled yesterday at the start of the Easter weekend by burglars who smashed their way in, putting the boats out of action. Rhyl RNLI’s offshore and inshore dinghies were left unusable by burglars who broke external and internal windows, showering everywhere with shards of glass.It was the second raid on Rhyl Lifeboat station this year. Station operation manager Ray Coltman said: “The thieves showed a total disregard for a voluntary emergency service and caused a lot of damage.

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Excerpts from the diary of a Denbighshire Police Inspector

I am Mike Hughes, and I am the District Inspector for South Denbighshire. My area is Denbigh, Ruthin, Corwen and Llangollen and all points in between. I live in Ruthin, so this is home territory for me. I’ve been in the police for 25 years. I’ve been the District Inspector for about 1½ years, and I was a Sergeant here for around 5 years in the 1990s (which seems like an age ago now) When Bill Shaw asked me to do this, I commented that the truth of the matter was all too many hours in front of a computer.
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Cardboard Coppers for Flintshire

Flintshire county's community safety officer PC Hazel Goss MBE has produced cardboard lifesized replicas of herself to deal with crime hotspots in Schools, leisure centres & supermarkets!. When a PPP member told us about this story in the Flintshire paper we thought it was an April fools joke one month early. This officer is telling the people of Flint that this is the best North Wales Police can do to deal with ‘CRIME HOT SPOTS’. We are also shocked to see that Leisure centres, supermarkets & schools are dangerous places.
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Anglesey drug dealer jailed

POLICE found 23 ecstasy tablets worth £157 and amphetamine with a £441 street value when they raided an Anglesey man’s home, a court heard yesterday.
Christopher Lord, 27, of Maes Hyfryd, Gaerwen, was jailed for 2½ years after he admitted possessing the drugs with intent to supply. He also pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine.

Christmas safety campaign gets underway in Llandudno

Conwy Community Safety Partnership are issuing a special message to remind all Christmas revelers enjoying themselves over the festive period – not to let their night out turn into a nightmare! The Christmas period is a busy time for the emergency services and the partnership want to help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. As part of this, special goody bags have already been handed out to people leaving licensed premises in Llandudno nightclubs

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First crackhouse closure for Anglesey

This story from the North Wales chronicle … AND verbatim from the NWPF website!
North Wales Police have today successfully obtained the first crackhouse closure on Anglesey following an investigation into illegal drug activity. After consulting with various partner agencies, officers attended Llangefni Magistrates Court today (Wednesday 14th November) where the order was granted to close 3 Tan Capel in the town.


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Colwyn Bay needle machine must be blocked by council

Oct 9 2007 by Roland Hughes, Daily Post
A public inquiry into proposals for a needle exchange machine in Colwyn Bay will take place next month. But the plans by the police could be blocked for good on Thursday if Conwy County Borough Council have their way. The planned site can be accessed only over a strip of land belonging to Conwy Council, if they decide they are against the plan at a cabinet meeting on Thursday, they will seek ways of blocking the public from getting near the machine.
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A Community officer from Tywyn Gwynedd has won a prestigious national award .

Community Beat Manager PC Ifor Williams has been recognised for his hard work and dedication in the local community by the NPIA ( National Policing Improvement Agency ) The ‘Outstanding Community Leadership' award presented by the The Police Authority Trust Awards, has recognised Ifor's hard work within the community of Tywyn. He has provided drive and motivation with numerous projects and schemes which have enhanced the living standards of the local residents.

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Parked cars are targets for thieves

Parked cars are targets for thieves Jul 12 2007 by Carl Butler, Daily Post
POLICE have issued a warning after a spate of thefts from cars and scooters in the Old Colwyn, Mochdre and Llysfaen areas. The police have advised residents in the area to take particular care to ensure vehicles are secure. They are appealing to anyone who may have seen any suspicious behaviour around parked cars or scooters to try and contact them.
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Battering ram no match for council house

Battering ram no match for council house. Jul 7 2007 by Gareth Hughes, Daily Post
COUNCIL house tenants in Anglesey can rest assured that their properties are safe from burglars – as even specially armed police officers have difficulty breaking in. On Thursday officers executed four search warrants on the island, two in Holyhead, one in Llanfair yn Nhowyn and one in Llanddeusant.

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The BBC reports ... Retailers have criticised the new guidance on shoplifting

Shoplifters facing on-the-spot fines could have the penalties written off if they promise to behave. Fines of £80 or £50 will be deferred if the offender agrees to be bound by an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC). The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has criticised the scheme for treating criminals "like naughty schoolboys". Shoplifting is a crime, pure and simple, and it should be treated as one said Kevin Hawkins for the Consortium


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Father murdered for telling yobs to keep quiet

A young father was stabbed to death outside his home after asking a gang of rowdies to keep the noise down because his baby was asleep. Kevin Johnson, 22, was brutally attacked by the three teenagers, who are all believed to have been armed. As he lay bleeding to death a few feet from his front door, the thugs fled – before launching another knife attack just minutes later. Their second victim, who had not been named last night, was stabbed as he walked down the street. He was recovering in hosp
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Gun Crime Hits Bangor!!

Glanadda Post Office Caernarfon road Bangor Tues. 17/04/2007
The Lady who was shot by two thugs with air guns must have been petrified,
As any of us would be, whether it was an airgun or not, a gun is a gun! Just one more instance of the serious lack of police presence on the streets. If we had more real policemen on THE BEAT The likelihood is these thugs would have been picked up before shooting anyone, but alas in Bangor we are lucky if there are three police constables and one sergean
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Daily Post Mar 21 2007 Police destroy yobs’ drinking den .. by Eryl Crump.

POLICE officers yesterday tore down an elderly man’s garden shed because it was being used as a drinking and smoking den by youngsters. The shed was removed from the property in Station Road, Old Colwyn, with his full permission by officers in a bid to try to curb anti-social behaviour.

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Policing Holyhead

Policing Holyhead…..THEY don’t need horses or any other gimmicks! Blog below Published Sunday, March 30, 2008 5:13 AM by Inspector Andrew Williams.
I've been out and about with my 'guys and gals' over the last couple of weekends. It has been heart-warming to be stopped in the street by a number of people who have said that they think the town has a far better feel about it since as long as they can remember; I'm not exaggerating.

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Outrage as vandals hit Wrexham shops

POLICE and retailers in Wrexham have condemned acts of "pure vandalism" after a number of town centre stores were hit in a late-night spree. Stores on the Island Green retail complex have had to replace large window panes and door panels after vandals smashed them during the attack.
Staff at Jessops and Poundland stores on the retail park discovered the damage when they arrived for work the following morning. The incidents, which took place last Wednesday, have been reported to police who are looking into the incident.

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Flintshire Council Job Opportunities Community and Housing

We are looking for a vigilant individual to join us in this key role within the local community, patrolling the area, checking vulnerable properties and responding to enquiries. You will be an integral member of our Neighbourhood Warden Team, working to reduce anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime whilst promoting community safety. It's about forging good relationships with local people and encouraging greater communication to build a strong sense of community spirit.
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Banker who intervened in fight dies

Last Updated: Tuesday, 30 September 2008,
Police are due to release more details of their investigation into the murder of a top banking executive who died after he intervened in a street fight. Frank McGarahan, 45, attempted to break up a brawl in Norwich city centre at 3am on Sunday 28th. Norfolk Police said Mr McGarahan, of Hertfordshire, had enjoyed a "quiet evening out" before the attack as he visited the city to attend a family christening. He died of head injuries on Monday in Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.
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Home front in the Daily Telegraph By Philip Johnston 23/10/2006 A policeman's blog is not a happy one

A policeman's blog is not a happy one.
I spent part of the weekend reading David Copperfield. Not the novel, mind you. This David Copperfield is the pen name of a serving police officer who has just published a very revealing book called Wasting Police Time, based on his online blog. http://coppersblog.blogspot.com/


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BT to close remote Phone Boxes!!

North Wales Police work with BT to close remote Phone Boxes!!

Gareth Hughes, in the Daily Post on Jan 24 2005 reports that North Wales Police are working with BT to close down phone boxes that are allegedly being used by drug dealers.
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