Statement regarding Youth Anti-Social Behaviour in Llandudno

Last Friday evening, at the invitation of MS Janet Finch-Saunders, West Conwy Coastal Chief Inspector Trystan Bevan and Inspector Catherine Walker attended a meeting at the Grand Hotel, Llandudno.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the issue of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the town, which has been the subject of several media reports over the last few months.

At the meeting, Ms Finch-Saunders was presented with a comprehensive list of results detailing how the actions of the local policing team have achieved positive success in reducing ASB.

These were backed up by some of those directly affected, including local hoteliers, as well as representatives from Llandudno Hospital and the Town Council who were also present.

Contrary to figures quoted in subsequent media reports by Ms Finch Saunders, there have been 198 ‘youth crimes’ reported in the last 12 months. 91 of these were for shoplifting.

The meeting heard that the number of reports of youth ASB incidents peaked last October (51), and has steadily declined every month since (January saw 23 reports).

Overall levels of youth crime have also declined since November.

Chief Inspector Bevan outlined several initiatives which have caused these reductions, including concerted ‘Op Restore’ patrols since May 2024 – an additional 500 hours of high visibility patrols in identified ‘ASB hotspots’ - these are in addition to our ‘business as usual’ general patrols, as well as a ‘week of intensive action’ involving the resourcing of additional officers targeting known offenders.

Ms Finch-Saunders raised the issue of several shelters on the Promenade that were vandalised. We were able to inform her that there were four different incidents (all on different days), but regrettably these were only reported to us on the occasion of the fourth incident. Despite this, a suspect was identified, and they are currently going through the Youth Justice system for a number of offences, where a panel will decide on an appropriate course of action.

In addition to this, six local youths have been identified as being responsible for a number of youth related crime incidents: one has been put before the Court in relation to 6 offences and has received a Referral Order. Two youths have been dealt with outside of the Courts, one is awaiting a decision from Youth Justice, and two more are the subjects of ongoing investigations.

With regards to the incidents at Llandudno Hospital, a suspect was identified, they are currently being dealt with by Youth Justice, and the Hospital confirmed there have been no further issues since last November.

We continue to work closely with partners in addressing any youth crime.

We have also previously received reports of criminal offences and ASB committed by adults in the area of the Town Hall. Due to robust police action, the group have been dispersed, and the main instigator is currently on remand awaiting sentence, along with other individuals, who have been charged with various offences.

There have been no further issues of concern following this action.

Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Evans said: “It is disappointing that despite the local team having engaged with Ms Finch-Saunders over a period of months and having provided concrete statistics showing the positive reduction in the issues in Llandudno, her latest comments reported in local media reflected none of this, and were instead negative, and continue to talk the town down. This is damaging to both the local economy and the wider community.

“I would also like to make clear that it’s imperative our community knows the only place to report crime is directly to the police, as soon as possible.

“This gives us the best chance of dealing with incidents in a timely manner, assessing the risk threat and harm to the community, as well as informing us where any ‘hotspots’ occur, so that appropriate resources can be directed where they are needed most.”

“Finally, I would like to thank the local community for their ongoing overwhelming support and cooperation.”

There are several ways you can report a crime to us: in an emergency or a crime in progress, please call 999. If you are reporting a non-urgent incident, you can do so via our live webchat online, or the reporting form on our website. Alternatively, you can call 101 and if the control room are experiencing high call volumes, you will be offered a call back so that you can make a report.