DURING a visit to Meirionnydd on July 7, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for North Wales Andy Dunbobbin heard how local officers in the Gwynedd South area are working hard to ensure that residents and visitors to the area are being kept safe and secure over the busy summer holiday period.
PCC Dunbobbin was accompanied on his visit to Meirionnydd by Deputy PCC Wayne Jones. The pair began their visit in bright sunshine at Dolgellau Police Station, where they were met by local PCSO Delyth Edwards. The group then headed to Tywyn where they met Clerk to the Community Council Chris Wood at the council offices. They discussed the level of policing in the town and developments that have taken place locally, such as the recent siting of a statue of a slate wagon celebrating the area’s history at the council offices. It was noted that there was an improving police presence and level of visibility in the town, which is important given the population of the area can treble over the summer months. This large rise in population can bring about increased issues around antisocial behaviour, which add to the low-level instances that are seen year round, with most incidents taking place around the High Street area.
The misuse of e-scooters scooters and e-bikes was identified as a concern among local residents in Tywyn and this is an area the UK Government is looking at. The Crime and Policing Bill, introduced into Parliament in February 2025, includes proposals to give the police greater powers against illegal use of e-scooters involved in anti-social behaviour, with officers no longer required to issue a warning before seizing these vehicles.
Following the visit to Tywyn, the group continued to Aberdovey Golf Club, where they met players and spoke with members of staff about policing in the area. The club ladies team were hosting visitors from Staffordshire for the day to take part in a competition.
Continuing into Aberdyfi itself, PCC Dunbobbin, Deputy PCC Wayne Jones and PCSO Edwards visited the fascinating and much-loved Literary Institute and had a walkaround of the village, speaking to local businesses owners including Martin Fowles at Aberdyfi Butchers, as well as local fishermen, and staff from the Eryri National Park visitor centre on the quayside. As well as supporting communities and victims, support for businesses is a key part of PCC Dunbobbin’s plan to fight crime in North Wales and this action is also reflected in his role as Joint Lead for Business and Retail Crime with the national Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.
Talks with local business owners continued during a visit to the Trefeddian Hotel above Aberdyfi, where General Manager William Moeran outlined his thoughts on crime and policing in the area. Mr Dunbobbin took all comments and advice from business owners and residents on board during his visit.
Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Meirionnydd and the beautiful towns of Dolgellau, Tywyn and Aberdyfi. It is an exceptional area, with so much to offer residents and visitors alike.
“Living in the far south of the region, residents tell me they sometimes feel overlooked by public services, but as PCC for the whole of North Wales, I can assure them that their interests are very close to my heart, and that their safety is paramount to me in my role.
“While there is always more to do, I was pleased to hear of the increasing confidence that people have in Police in the area and that they feel Officers are more visible than they previously were.
“I hope that with the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee and commitment to place 13,000 additional police officers, PCSOs and special constables into neighbourhood policing roles, that this will continue and that we will keep turning the tide on crime and bring back visible, community-led policing.”
District Inspector Iwan Jones said: “As a team, we’ve worked hard to increase the visibility and presence of Police Officers and PCSOs across Tywyn and the surrounding villages. It’s encouraging to hear directly from residents that these efforts are making a positive impact.
“We recognise that there is always more to be done to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our communities. The visit from the Police and Crime Commissioner has provided a valuable opportunity to listen to local concerns and reaffirm our commitment to community policing.
“Over the coming months, we will continue to engage with residents, listen to feedback, and work closely with our partners to address issues that matter most.
“I encourage everyone to keep sharing information with us – it plays a vital role in helping us take effective action and keep our communities safe.”
PCSO Delyth Edwards from North Wales Police added: “It was a privilege and an honour to accompany and host Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin and his Deputy Wayne Jones in the beautiful and picturesque Gwynedd South region of Dolgellau, Tywyn, Aberdyfi, Pennal, Corris – all within the most southerly part of the North Wales Police force area.
“We will look forward to seeing the Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin at the Annual Meirionnydd County Show this year hosted at Hendy, Tywyn on August 20.”
To report crime in your neighbourhood, contact North Wales Police via the LiveChat function on their website Contact us | North Wales Police or by calling 101. In an emergency always dial 999.
You can also report anonymously to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111.
