Drink related crime in Conwy and Denbighshire is down

Dec 1 2011 by Judith Phillips, North Wales Weekly News

THERE has been a big drop in drink related crime and anti-social behaviour in Conwy county thanks to a concerted effort by police and council licensing staff.

But more still needs to be done says a Llandudno councillor who says late night rowdyism in part of her ward is still a problem and more needs to be done.

In the year up to September crimes linked to licensed premises in Conwy and Denbighshire fell from 164 in 2010 to 133 for the same period in 2011 - a 19% decrease.

Cllr Philip Evans, Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services said, “The reduction in incidents of alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour is very positive news indeed. It is testament to the hard work of the Conwy and Denbighshire Community Safety Enforcement Team and North Wales Police working in partnership.

“The council’s policy of early intervention with problem premises and robust enforcement, particularly in the prevention of the sale of alcohol to children, is paying dividends.

“It is important however, not to be complacent and that the team’s hard work continues, particularly as the busy Christmas period is approaching, which is traditionally a challenging time for the police, local authority and the night-time economy.”

County councillor Margaret Lyon who represents Llandudno’s Gogarth ward welcomed the reduction in anti-social behaviour but said it was still a problem for people living in the resort’s Upper Mostyn Street area which is lined with bars and pubs.

“The police are doing a good job, and I recognise that the night time economy is good for the town. I’m also pleased that the bars are now all employing door staff which has helped the situation, but people who live in the area still have to put up with a great deal of late night noise.

“I know they are never going to eliminate this type of behaviour completely, but there is certainly no room for complacency. We need more police on the streets after 11pm,” she claimed.