Colwyn Bay inspector pledges to tackle yobs and boozers

Jun 10 2010 by Richard Evans, North Wales Weekly News

Paul McKeown

COLWYN Bay’s new inspector says tackling anti-social behaviour this summer is to be his number one priority.

Insp Paul McKeown has replaced Essi Ahari and says he will carry on the good work of his predecessor and take a hard-line on drinkers, yobs and vandals who spread fear and cause damage to communities.

The new east Conwy inspector has made his stance on dealing with thugs and gangs of drinkers clear from the outset.

“If the public are being bothered by incidents they consider to be anti-social behaviour east Conwy police will act to resolve it, it is a priority for me,” he said.

“People want to be happy where they are living, they want to feel safe, anti-social behaviour and people acting in a anti-social can effect people’s quality of life.

“Whatever is important to the community, whatever their individual problems are, we’ve got to sort it out, the police can’t do everything, but we can take some responsibility and help.

“Since I have arrived there have been several incidents of anti-social behaviour; with groups going around causing damage and drinking in public places. We are currently looking at this issue and targeting those responsible.”

After spending 14 years in the London Met Police, Insp McKeown then moved to North Wales and worked in Rhyl and Denbigh as a sergeant before being promoted to inspector at the control room at St Asaph.

Now back on the frontline, Insp McKeown says he is keen to get out and meet residents and listen to their concerns to tackle crime head-on.

“I’m very pleased to be returning to operational policing, it is something I’ve wanted to do for a while,” he said.

“Now I am here my aim is to ensure I focus my team on the new North Wales Police policing priorities for 2010-11.

“We are going to try and improve the local community’s trust and confidence in North Wales Police. We also intend to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and resolve issues which impact on communities with the aim of protecting those communities from harm.

“In the next few weeks I will be going out into the community to meet people.

“I will be telling them what we are going to do and asking them what they want us to do. It is important the communities have a say in their local policing.”

He added: “I am really excited to be given the opportunity to work in east Conwy and look forward to working together with our partnership agencies and the local communities. If there are other issues the community would like us to deal with I would ask that they contact us.”

To report incidents or information to North Wales Police contact 101.