Police in Rhyl hail ‘encouraging’ drop in town’s crime figures but say they won’t be complacent

Police in Rhyl have hailed an encouraging drop in crime figures in the town but stressed they would not be complacent.

Statistics covering the last six months were highlighted at a recent meeting of the Rhyl Community Safety Forum.

The forum is a new partnership made up of representatives from North Wales Police, Denbighshire County Council, Rhyl BID, local businesses and the local MP and MS.

The figures for Rhyl show that:

• There has been a 53% drop in robberies
• Burglaries targeting businesses and commercial premises are down 38%
• Violence with injury is down 19%
• Sexual offences are down by nearly 7%
• Vehicle crime was up by 37% (from 13 to 22 offences)

The forum also discussed anti-social behaviour rates in Rhyl – down 6.3% in the same reporting period – with victim-based crime down 16.8%.

Sergeant James Tyler of North Wales Police said: “The Denbighshire Coastal policing team are dedicated to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the area, and collaborative working plays an ever-increasing part in that.

“Good working partnerships with partner organisations helps us to target those causing most harm in our communities while protecting those most vulnerable.

“Whilst these results are encouraging, we will not be complacent, and will continue to work hard as a forum to improve the experiences of those that live, work and visit the area.”

Councillor Rhys Thomas, Denbighshire Council’s lead member for communities, said: “These figures make very positive reading and clearly show that the commitment by the agencies and individuals involved is paying dividends in terms of reducing recorded crime rates in Rhyl.

“It’s hoped that these latest figures will have a positive impact on people’s perceptions and the fear of crime.

“Working in partnership is very much a way forward. It’s not a new thing for Rhyl but the on-going partnership has been strengthened by a dedicated group of people who have the best interest of Rhyl at heart and want to make it a safer place to live in, to work in and visit.”