Latest news with #Dunbobbin
North Wales Chronicle
2 days ago
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Cash seized from criminals funds Holyhead youth basketball
Ynys Mon Celts is delivering the scheme with funding from the Your Community, Your Choice initiative. On July 23, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin visited Holyhead Leisure Centre to see how money seized from criminals is being used to support the project. Mr Dunbobbin said: "It was fantastic to visit Ynys Mon Celts and see their innovative approach to youth engagement through basketball. "This project perfectly demonstrates how sport can be a powerful tool for crime prevention and community building. "By providing structured activities during peak times for anti-social behaviour, we're investing in our young people's futures." The scheme is jointly supported by the police commissioner, North Wales Police, and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT). Funding is partly sourced from the Proceeds of Crime Act, with additional contributions from the Police and Crime Commissioner. The club is using the funding to run Social BALL: Tackling Youth Crime and Inequalities Through Basketball, a programme for seven to 14-year-olds in Holyhead. The scheme offers supervised basketball games throughout the summer, ending with a showcase tournament featuring police officers playing with and against the young participants. Sion Parry, team leader at Ynys Mon Celts, said: "We're thrilled to receive this funding to bring basketball closer to home for our young people. "With basketball being the most in-demand sport in Wales according to Sports Wales surveys, we've identified a real gap in provision locally. "Social BALL will give boys and girls a positive outlet and something to look forward to over the summer months and help build those crucial relationships with local police officers through sport." The programme also includes basketball days in schools across Anglesey to encourage wider participation and identify young people who might benefit from more structured support. During his visit, Mr Dunbobbin met with Mr Parry and toured the facilities where the sessions will be held. The project i designed to address a lack of recreational options for young people in the area, with the nearest basketball league currently located in Flintshire. Ashley Rogers, chairman of PACT, said: "The Social BALL project shows the real impact that Your Community, Your Choice funding can have in local communities. READ MORE: PICTURES: Anglesey cinema complex re-opens after £1.3million refurbishment "By taking proceeds of crime into positive youth projects like this, we're creating opportunities that will benefit Holyhead." Gareth Evans, assistant chief constable of North Wales Police, said: "Early intervention through positive activities like basketball is at the heart of effective policing. "The Social BALL project not only provides young people with something constructive to do but also builds those vital bridges between police and communities that help prevent crime before it happens."
North Wales Chronicle
24-07-2025
- North Wales Chronicle
North Wales PCC Andy Dunbobbin visits Meirionnydd region
Mr Dunbobbin said: "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." He was joined by Deputy PCC Wayne Jones and PCSO Delyth Edwards during his tour of Gwynedd South, which began at Dolgellau Police Station. The group later travelled to Tywyn to meet Chris Wood, clerk to the community council, where they discussed policing needs and recent developments. One key concern raised was the misuse of e-scooters and e-bikes, particularly in the High Street area. The UK Government's Crime and Policing Bill, introduced to Parliament in February, proposes giving police greater powers to tackle illegal use of e-scooters, including removing the requirement to issue a warning before seizing the vehicles. The visit continued to Aberdovey Golf Club and into Aberdyfi, where the group spoke with business owners, fishermen, and staff from the Eryri National Park visitor centre. Discussions also took place at the Trefeddian Hotel with William Moeran, general manager. Mr Dunbobbin said he valued the feedback and concerns raised by business owners and residents during the visit. 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." PCSO Edwards, who hosted the visit, said: "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." Residents are reminded that they can report crime to North Wales Police via LiveChat on the force website or by calling 101. In an emergency, people are urged to dial 999. Crimes can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
North Wales Chronicle
16-07-2025
- North Wales Chronicle
North Wales preschool builds play area using crime proceeds
Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) visited Cylch Meithrin Llanllyfni to see how the preschool had developed the space using Your Community, Your Choice funding. The funding was awarded after the site was damaged by antisocial behaviour. Mr Dunbobbin said: "It was wonderful to visit Cylch Meithrin Llanllyfni and see their determination to rebuild after being victims of crime. "This project demonstrates how we can turn the proceeds of criminal activity into positive outcomes for our youngest community members." Your Community, Your Choice is a grant scheme supported by the PCC, North Wales Police, and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT). It allows the public to vote on projects and is funded partly through money seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act, with the remainder provided by the PCC. Over the past 12 years, the scheme has awarded nearly £660,000 to 214 community projects. Cylch Meithrin Llanllyfni used the funding to rebuild its outdoor area after relocating to a new site and being targeted by youths who damaged a shed, bikes, scooters, and other equipment. Saran Japheth, cylch leader at Cylch Meithrin Llanllyfni, said: "This funding means everything to us after what happened. "The criminal damage left us feeling distraught and the children had to go without the outdoor resources they need. "Thanks to Your Community, Your Choice, we can now rebuild and create an even better outdoor learning environment that will benefit all our children for years to come." READ MORE: Neil Foden: Chair of governors found 'serious issues' at Bangor school The preschool, which serves children aged two to four and runs an after-school club for those up to 11, has used the funding to purchase a new playhouse, mud kitchen, water play equipment, and replacement bikes and scooters. Ashley Rogers, PACT chairman, said: "Cylch Meithrin Llanllyfni's resilience in the face of criminal damage is inspiring. "Using funds seized from criminal activity to help them rebuild their outdoor area for children shows exactly why Your Community, Your Choice is so important to our communities." During his visit, Mr Dunbobbin toured the facilities, met with staff, and heard about the group's efforts to create the outdoor space.
Leader Live
11-07-2025
- Leader Live
North Wales PCC announces new funding to prevent youth crime
The initiatives, announced by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin, aim to support early intervention schemes that prevent young people from becoming involved in criminal activity. Mr Dunbobbin said: "These two new funding streams represent a significant investment in the future safety and wellbeing of our communities. "By supporting young people through positive diversionary activities and early intervention, we can break the cycle that leads to criminal behaviour and create safer neighbourhoods for everyone." The schemes form part of Mr Dunbobbin's long-term commitment to addressing the root causes of crime and building safer communities through early support. The Step Forward Fund will back two youth diversion or anti-social behaviour prevention projects, with each eligible to receive up to £25,000 a year for three years. It will support youth engagement hubs, outreach work, and programmes in ASB hotspot areas, targeting young people at risk of offending or exclusion from school. The Safer Futures Fund will support one project with up to £50,000 per year over three years. It focuses on early intervention for children and young people aged 10 to 18 who are at risk of crime, violence or exploitation, or who have already been affected by these issues. Mr Dunbobbin said: "I am particularly pleased that these are three-year funding commitments, which will enable successful organisations to develop sustainable, long-term programmes that can make a real difference. "We know that investing in our young people today is the most effective way to prevent crime tomorrow, and I'm excited to see the innovative approaches that will emerge from these funding opportunities." Eligible organisations must demonstrate experience of working with children and young people, deliver services across North Wales and have strong safeguarding policies in place. Applicants to the Safer Futures Fund must also provide evidence of their programme's positive impact. READ MORE: Ambulance service reveal number taken to hospital amid medical incident at Eisteddfod The funding is open to voluntary and community groups, charities, youth services and local partners who are committed to supporting young people and reducing crime. Applications close at 5pm on August 7, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by September 5 and projects are expected to begin on October 1, 2025, running until September 2028. For full details and to apply, visit the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner's website at
Leader Live
09-07-2025
- Leader Live
Wrexham crime rates dropping thanks to new policing schemes
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin was told during a visit to the city that new policing schemes are making a positive impact on public safety and crime reduction. Mr Dunbobbin said: "Wrexham is a city on the up, with the success of its football club mirrored in the feeling of increased confidence there is in the city and its future. "Policing is a crucial part of ensuring that residents and visitors alike feel safe and secure in the city, whether they are shopping, savouring the vibrant nightlife, watching a match or just simply enjoying living in Wrexham. "I am pleased to hear of the work underway by District Inspector Ifans and his team and the positive effect this is having on crime in the city. "I am also heartened by, and grateful for, the increased funding invested by the UK Government as part of the Safer Streets Summer Initiative. "It is right they recognise the importance of an adequately funded Force in reducing rates of offending. "I hope it will make a real difference for our communities." District Inspector Rhodri Ifans and PCC Andy Dunbobbin (Image: PCC) During his July 3 visit, Mr Dunbobbin toured the city centre with the neighbourhood policing team, including Deputy PCC Wayne Jones and District Inspector Rhodri Ifans. They visited key locations including the bus station, Duke Street, Hope Street, Central Arcade, and the High Street. Inspector Ifans outlined new crime reduction schemes, including Operation Restore, which launched in April with targeted patrols in areas with higher offence rates. Efforts to prevent anti-social behaviour include supporting youth clubs and seconding a PCSO to the Youth Justice Service (YJS). Wrexham YJS works to prevent children from getting involved in crime and anti-social behaviour. The visit coincided with the UK Government's Safer Streets Summer Initiative, which runs until the end of September. It is backed by £66 million in hotspot policing funding and aims to deliver visible, community-led policing. A key focus in Wrexham is tackling shoplifting and improving business security. Inspector Ifans reported a 21 per cent reduction in recorded shoplifting over the past year. A dedicated team of one sergeant, four PCs, and two PCSOs focuses on this crime type. Recently, a prolific offender was jailed for 36 weeks after admitting five counts of shop theft. Following the walkabout, Mr Dunbobbin and Inspector Ifans held a public surgery at Wrexham Library. Residents raised concerns about anti-social behaviour in surrounding areas, including Acrefair and Bangor-on-Dee. Inspector Ifans said: "North Wales Police continue to strengthen their commitment to community-focused policing in Wrexham, with new initiatives aimed at building trust, increasing visibility, and tackling local concerns head-on. "We have stepped up efforts to tackle ASB in Wrexham, responding to growing concerns from residents and local businesses. "Targeted patrols, partnership work, and early intervention strategies are already delivering results in key areas of the town." READ MORE: Butchers celebrates first-year in business in bustling North Wales town He said the Neighbourhood Policing Team is working closely with Wrexham Council, youth outreach teams, and community groups to address issues such as street-level disturbances, vandalism, and drug misuse. Mr Dunbobbin said the approach supports the goals in his Police and Crime Plan for North Wales. He said these include maintaining a strong neighbourhood policing presence and supporting victims, businesses, and communities. Residents are encouraged to report crime via North Wales Police's LiveChat service online or by calling 101. Crimes can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
