ON A VISIT to Caernarfon on January 13, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for North Wales Andy Dunbobbin saw how a UK Government-funded campaign against crime and anti-social behaviour, dubbed the Winter of Action, is having a positive effect in reducing crime in the town centre.
The Winter of Action was launched across the country before Christmas to bring together Police, local authorities, and businesses to protect shoppers, retail workers, and those engaged in the nighttime economy. North Wales Police and Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin are working together to put this national plan into action at local level.
Over the winter this has meant Police in several areas using hotspot patrols, quick visible enforcement, and locally tailored approaches, working closely with businesses and community groups to clamp down on shop theft and street crime. As well as Caernarfon, these locations also include Bangor, Holyhead, Pwllheli, and Porthmadog as well as locations in along the coast and in North-East Wales.
Following a meeting at Caernarfon Police Station, PCC Dunbobbin and Sergeant Siwan Humphreys visited key sites around the town centre including the Maes, Pool Street, New Street, Chapel Street, Palace Street, Bridge Street, and the town’s Bus Station. The PCC and Sergeant Humphreys discussed where investment from Winter of Action funding has been used and the success of other recent work to reduce crime in the town centre. This includes more dedicated patrols from Officers and increasing effective use of the Public Space Protection Order covering the Maes.
Work has also taken place to reduce street drinking and work is being undertaken with young people in the town to give them positive outlets for their energy and to stop them congregating in the town centre in the evening. There was also discussion about a brand-new initiative called the ‘Trojan Bus’, where plain-clothes officers travel on buses between Bangor and Caernarfon to deal with crime and ASB on the well-used route.
North Wales as a whole has seen positive reductions in anti-social behaviour within Winter of Action hotspot locations. Other measures to support the Winter of Action include Licensing Officers working with local authorities to target high-risk venues, with a strong focus on violence against women and girls and promoting the “Ask for Angela” campaign. Door staff in surge areas have also been equipped with UV lights to verify IDs at late-night venues.
PCC Andy Dunbobbin commented: “As Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, the safety and security of residents is hugely important for me.
“Therefore, I am delighted that the UK Government has funded the Winter of Action across the UK and I am pleased it is having such a positive effect locally here in North Wales.
“This was clear to me on my visit to Caernarfon where the local Neighbourhood Policing Team has been doing outstanding work in reducing ASB over the winter.
“As a town, Caernarfon is a magnet, both for locals in need of shopping, services and social activities, and for visitors coming to the castle and to experience the rich history and culture of the town.
“As such, the Winter of Action campaign offers support and assurance to business and shopworkers who have experienced at first-hand the rise in shoplifting and violence that we have seen across the UK in recent years.
“The focus on the nighttime economy and reducing violence against women and girls is also an important feature of the Winter of Action and also reflects my own Plan for fighting crime in North Wales.
“I know that North Wales Police share my determination to see a North Wales that is safer and more secure for all residents and our town centres are a vital step in this mission.”
Gwynedd North District Inspector Jamie Owens from North Wales Police said: “The Neighbourhood Policing Team were pleased to welcome the Police and Crime Commissioner to Caernarfon last week.
“The visit provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the proactive work being delivered as part of the Winter of Action initiative in and around the town centre.
“The team remains committed to working closely with our partners to address antisocial behaviour and to provide continued support to the residents, businesses, and visitors of Caernarfon.“
