North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin has reiterated his commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) across the region as part of ASB Awareness Week, following a recent visit to Bangor.
Organised by Resolve, the UK’s leading community safety organisation, ASB Awareness Week (29 June – 6 July) is the national campaign bringing together housing, policing, local government, charities and community partners to shine a spotlight on ASB, strengthen local responses, and amplify the rights of victims.
During a walkabout in the city with Gwynedd North District Inspector Jamie Owens, the PCC discussed ongoing work to address issues raised by local residents, including ASB, environmental crime and burglary.
ASB continues to be one of the most frequently reported concerns raised with the PCC through community feedback, surveys, and engagement sessions and tackling it remains a key priority within the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan for the region.
The visit covered several areas local officers have concentrated on, including Bangor High Street, Glynne Road, the alley behind Orme Road – where there have been reports of fly-tipping and ASB – as well as the Cathedral and Bus Station areas. Discussions focused on both enforcement and prevention measures currently in place and planned for the future.
As part of the Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) in force in the city centre, officers are increasingly using new technology that allows them to record incidents in real-time via an app. This approach is helping to build a clearer and more detailed picture of ASB patterns, enabling more targeted interventions.
Work is also underway to “design out crime” in key areas, improving safety through environmental changes. In addition, success has recently been seen in addressing problems with graffiti in parts of the city centre.
The PCC and District Inspector Owens also discussed concerns around student property burglaries. In response, and in partnership with Bangor University a new student safety hub will be established at Pontio from September, aimed at supporting and engaging with the student community and helping to prevent crime.
The PCC said: “ASB has a real impact on people’s quality of life, and it is something I hear about regularly when I’m out in our communities. I am determined to ensure it is addressed through strong partnership working and effective policing, which is a cornerstone of ASB Awareness Week across Great Britain.
“It was very valuable to see first-hand the work being done in Bangor, and to hear about the proactive steps officers are taking – from increased use of PSPOs to designing out crime and engaging with students. This reflects the wider work happening across North Wales to keep our communities safe.”
Inspector Jamie Owens added: “We are committed to tackling ASB and working closely with partners to address the issues that matter most to our communities. The use of new tools and targeted operations is helping us respond more effectively, and initiatives like the student hub will further strengthen our engagement and prevention work.”
The work taking place in Bangor is part of a wider, coordinated effort by North Wales Police and partners across the region to reduce ASB and ensure communities remain safe and welcoming for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
