'Llandudno to be one of the safest places in Britain' says cop

Mar 18 2010 by Judith Phillips, North Wales Weekly News

LLANDUDNO will officially have one of the safest town centres in Britain if the new police inspector gets his way.

Insp Ian Verburg took up his role in charge of North Wales Police’s Conwy West division on Monday, covering Llanfairfechan across to Penrhyn Bay, and down to Betws-y-Coed.

He aims to:

*crack down on burglary and robbery, and set up a car theft rapid response team

*step up high profile policing

*ban former chief constable Richard Brunstrom’s baseball caps for officers, and bring back helmets

*make sure the resort’s bar staff and taxi drivers are properly trained to deal with trouble.

His overall aim is to achieve coveted Purple Flag status for Llandudno’s streets.

“The Purple Flag is awarded to town centres which achieve specific strict criteria like having licensed premises with properly trained bar staff, taxi ranks organised to minimise trouble, and high profile policing,” said Insp Verburg.

“The aim is to make sure that everyone who goes out onto the streets at any time of day or night feels safe.”

The Purple Flag scheme is run by the Association of Town Centre Management and has similar prestigious status as the Blue Flag scheme for beaches.

“In a tourism area it’s important that people feel safe and go home feeling they want to return.”

Insp Verburg is also keen that his officers should have a high profile.

“I’m going to be pushing for high visibility policing. My officers will wear helmets, not baseball caps, and be instantly recognisable. I’m going to make time to get out onto the streets myself and will be happy to meet people and discuss their concerns,” he said.

This isn’t the first time Insp Verburg has walked the streets of Llandudno. He was a sergeant in the resort between 2000 and 2002, and lives in the immediate area.

“I know the area well and am proud to live and work here. West Conwy is a very safe place but sometimes the fear of crime is greater than reality and that is something we are determined to allay,” he said.

From April, North Wales Police will be concentrating on tackling crimes like theft from cars, burglaries and robberies, which research shows the public is most concerned about.

“We will be looking at the prevention of crime very closely with community beat managers getting out and about talking to people and handing out leaflets showing them how to make their vehicles and properties secure.

“I’ll also have officers specifically tasked to deal with car crime who will be able to respond quickly and deal with it.

“This is very important in a holiday area where people can take away a bad impression if their vehicle is broken into and possessions stolen,” he added.

He urged anyone with a concern about crime to contact his team: “I will regularly check reports from officers to find out what people’s concerns are and will deal with them. Public confidence is at the top of my priority list.”