Police boss hears concerns about town's anti-social behaviour

* PCC Andy Dunbobbin, centre, visits the Clwydian Butcher with PCSO Karl Joseph.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin recently visited Llangollen town centre to meet with local independent businesses and to view ongoing environmental improvements aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour (ASB) and improving confidence within the local community.

He says the visit provided an opportunity for the PCC to listen directly to business and community concerns, reinforce his commitment to neighbourhood policing, and to highlight the importance of partnership working in creating safer, welcoming public spaces.

The PCC was accompanied by well-known local PCSO Karl Joseph, who introduced him to several independent shop owners across the town centre and shared local insight into the challenges and progress being made around ASB.

One shop owner, Chris Smith from Gifts from Wales, spoke about the impact of ASB near his premises and the effect it can have on both staff wellbeing and customer confidence and stressed the importance of a stronger police presence.

The PCC listened carefully to these concerns and agreed that increasing visibility and engagement from policing teams can play a key role in supporting businesses in popular tourist destinations such as Llangollen. He assured residents he would engage with relevant stakeholders on action to reduce ASB.

Key themes raised by businesses included:

• Concerns around shoplifting and ASB, particularly repeat incidents
• The importance of regular police visibility and reassurance patrols.
• The impacts of safety, cleanliness and the local environment on footfall and customer confidence

The PCC also took the chance to visit Robbo’s Café, and sampled some of the "best pies in Llangollen" at The Clwydian Butcher

The visit continued along the riverside and Riverside Park, where the PCC viewed ongoing works and recent environmental improvements.

Key observations and discussion points included the importance of maintaining spaces to remain welcoming, well-used and well cared for. 

PCSO Joseph also discussed the success of the Mini Golf Courses and an outdoor gym space among visitors and locals, both of which keep young people busy and help reduce ASB.

Karl added: “Showing the PCC around the town and speaking with businesses highlights how important visible leadership is. When policing, partners, and the PCC work together on the ground, it really helps us reduce antisocial behaviour and build confidence in the area.”

Speaking during the visit, Mr Dunbobbin said: “Being out in our town centres and speaking directly with the people who live, and work here is essential. Local businesses know their communities best, and it is important that their voices help shape local policing and community safety priorities.

“By listening to those experiences on the ground, we can make sure neighbourhood policing remains visible, responsive and focused on what really matters to local people.”