March 11, 2026 - 156 views
North Wales’ Police and Crime Commissioner has been reviewing how well the region’s police force is tackling issues ranging from shoplifting and cyber crime to protecting children and improving police culture.
Andy Dunbobbin met senior officers from North Wales Police at the latest Strategic Executive Board meeting, where he questioned the force’s performance and progress on key priorities in his Police and Crime Plan.
The meeting heard updates from Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman on a range of issues including finances, staffing levels and ongoing inspections. There was also a focus on child-centred policing, which looks at how police work with vulnerable young people and safeguard children at risk.
One of the main areas discussed was business and retail crime, which has been a growing concern for shop owners across North Wales.
Town centres in places such as Llandudno, Bangor and Rhyl have seen repeated problems with shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and abuse directed at shop workers. Police said they are using targeted patrols and problem-solving policing in known “hotspot” areas to try to prevent offences before they happen.
The meeting also examined how the force is working with retailers and local partners to encourage victims to report crimes and improve investigations. This includes implementing the UK’s Retail Crime Action Plan, which aims to ensure police respond more consistently to reports from businesses.
Cyber crime was the second major issue discussed at the meeting.
Police said criminals are increasingly using online scams, fraud and data theft to target victims, with some cases involving people losing large sums of money. Officers explained how specialist teams are investigating these offences and working with national partners to tackle the growing threat.
North Wales Police also runs campaigns with organisations such as Get Safe Online to raise awareness and help residents recognise common scams and protect their personal information.
The meeting also heard how the force is responding to recommendations from the Angiolini Inquiry, which was launched following the murder of Sarah Everard by a serving police officer.
The inquiry has called for improvements to police vetting, culture, and safeguarding, particularly to ensure forces are better equipped to prevent misconduct and protect women and vulnerable people.
North Wales Police said work is ongoing to strengthen standards and address the recommendations from the inquiry.
Police and Crime Commissioners are elected to oversee local policing and hold chief constables to account. The Strategic Executive Board is one of the ways the commissioner can question police leaders and examine how the force is performing.
Andy Dunbobbin said the meeting allowed him to review the work being done to tackle issues that affect communities and businesses across the region.
He said he would continue to scrutinise police performance and work with the Chief Constable to ensure the force addresses the concerns of people living in North Wales.
