'RENEW ' initiative launched as part of Clear, Hold, Build strategy

North Wales Police is rolling out a multi-agency partnership tactic called Clear, Hold, Build, designed by the Home Office to regenerate areas most affected by serious and organised crime.

The three-phase initiative, known locally as RENEW, uses a combination of targeted high-visibility police operations and covert policing tactics alongside activity and support from partners, and input from residents to protect our communities and prevent organised crime groups from operating.

What?

The strategy sees police pursue gang members using all available powers and tactics to clear an area; continue activity to hold the location, so another gang can’t take control in the vacuum; and then work with residents and partners to build the community into a more prosperous area where people would love to live, work and visit and one less susceptible to being exploited by organised crime groups and County Lines.

Where?

RENEW is taking place in Rhyl West.

When?

This is a long-term project and work will be continuous.

Why?

Implementing this holistic approach will make it more difficult for organised crime groups to operate. It will disrupt their activity and their incomes, and will help to protect those living, visiting and working in Rhyl West. It will also assist those vulnerable to manipulation by gangs. By working together and listening to residents’ needs, RENEW will regenerate areas blighted by serious and organised crime and will allow residents to reclaim their communities, building long-term resilience against organised crime groups and help prevent future threats to safety.

How?

All partners will work closely to share information and identify hot spots that need regeneration as well as targeted activity to remove and disrupt organised crime groups. In addition, partners will provide advice and services, in particular to those in need of assistance who may struggle to access help. Areas that will be focussed on include: the living, working and recreational environment for residents, opportunities for young people, help with employment, assistance to access funding, health issues, crime prevention and security advice.

Events will also be held with community groups that will provide opportunities for input from residents to determine how partners can best help and support communities.

Who?

Partners involved in RENEW include North Wales Police, Denbighshire County Council’s Licensing, Trading Standards, Childrens, and Homeless Services, North Wales Fire and Rescue, housing associations, BCUHB Substance Misuse, Wales Probation Service, local businesses, community groups and residents.

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: “The launch of the Clear, Hold, Build initiative marks an important milestone in North Wales Police’s ongoing efforts to tackle organised crime and build resilient communities. This partnership aims to disrupt the criminal networks that dominate communities and cause misery.

“We know that organised crime poses a significant risk to our communities at it requires a united response from us, our partners and our communities to tackle it. I am optimistic about what we can achieve together, and I know that we are fully supported by all of those involved in restoring pride back into the Rhyl West ward."

Chief Executive of Denbighshire County Council, Graham Boase said: “Crime has no place in our communities, and we are always committed to working with our community safety partners and local communities to address the issues that matter to them.

‘Renew Rhyl’, focusing on West Rhyl is one of many ways we are working together with our partners and the local community to tackle those involved in criminality which will help create a stronger, more resilient community. This is part of the overall approach for the regeneration of Rhyl and supports our broader Corporate Plan Themes and pledges including the Council working closer with its communities.

“I’m delighted that officers from across the Council will be participating in this collaborative project.

“As a Council, we are committed to working with partners and our communities to improve the lives of all our residents.”

For more information: follow @NWPDenbighshireCoastal on Facebook and X.

Anyone with any information about crime in their area is asked to contact North Wales Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.

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