21-07-2025
MP backs summer crime crackdown in Rhyl and Colwyn Bay
The Safer Streets summer scheme aims to target anti-social behaviour in Clwyd North and is part of the Labour Government's broader 'Plan for Change'.
The plan includes the recruitment of 13,000 new neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs across the UK, supported by an initial sum of £200 million.
Gill German, Labour MP for Clwyd North, said: "People in Clwyd North deserve to feel safe and confident in their local high streets – whether they're shopping, working, or spending time with family and friends.
"I've spoken to residents and business owners across Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, and our other town centres, and they've made it clear that tackling anti-social behaviour is a top priority."
The scheme, backed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, includes Colwyn Bay and Rhyl among more than 500 towns taking part.
Residents should expect to see a "stronger, more visible police presence, along with targeted action to clamp down on anti-social behaviour."
The initiative is being delivered in partnership with police and crime commissioners, councils, businesses, and community leaders.
In North Wales, Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin has worked with partners to develop plans focused on both prevention and enforcement.
These include banning persistent offenders from town centres and increasing support for community-led safety schemes.
Since the scheme launched on June 30, North Wales Police have increased foot patrols.
Officers have engaged with the public through events such as Cuppa with a Copper and carried out enforcement activity.
During the first week, officers made arrests and executed warrants resulting in seizures of Class A drugs, cash, mobile phones, and drug paraphernalia.
The crackdown is set to run until September 30.
Ms German said she has seen first-hand the value of visible, community-focused policing.
She said: "Last week, I was pleased to join Inspector Matthew Kelly-Smith for a walkabout in Colwyn Bay town centre, where we discussed the benefits of an increased police presence and the importance of visible, community-focused policing.
"I also spent time with Police Community Support Officers on their regular patrol in Rhyl West, hearing directly from them about the challenges they face and the positive impact their presence can have in reassuring the public and preventing crime.
"That's why I welcome this summer crackdown – with more officers on the beat, real action to tackle anti-social behaviour, and support for our young people.
"I'll keep working closely with North Wales Police and local partners to make sure Clwyd North gets the support it needs to build safer, stronger, and more vibrant communities.
"I'm really pleased to see this government prioritising neighbourhood safety through proper investment in local policing.
"There's still a way to go, but we're making meaningful progress together."
The government is also launching a new Tackling Retail Crime Together Strategy.
This aims to use shared intelligence to protect shops and workers from organised, repeat, and opportunistic offenders.
Ms Cooper said the crackdown sends a clear message to offenders.
She said: "I have called on police forces and councils to work together to deliver a summer blitz on town centre crime, to send a clear message to those people who bring misery to our towns that their crimes will no longer go unpunished.
"The fact that Rhyl and Colwyn Bay have signed up shows the strength of feeling locally on this issue.
"Through our Safer Streets Mission and Plan for Change, we are putting officers back on the beat where you can see them and making our town centres safe again."
