Police boss vows to bring more sex offenders to justice

* Unveiling the plan: From left, PCC Arfon Jones, Deputy PCC Ann Griffith and Chief Constable Mark Polin.

A police boss has vowed to bring more sex offenders to justice.

The pledge from North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones is contained in his new blueprint for policing the region.

Tackling sex abuse in its various forms is one of five priorities in the Police and Crime Plan published by the commissioner.

Other key areas include domestic violence, modern slavery and human trafficking, organised crime and delivering safer neighbourhoods.

According to Mr Jones, he consulted widely and listened to the Chief Constable Mark Polin in drawing up the new Police and Crime plan, which sets the direction of policing in North Wales for the next five years.

He said: "My vision for policing North Wales is based on reducing threat, risk and harm by identifying the most vulnerable people in society and ensuring they are the priority for the Police and Crime Plan. 

"Three of the five priorities are based around vulnerability and I am delivering on the promises I made in my manifesto before I was elected.

"The plan also reflects the changing face of policing with the emerging and often hidden crimes like modern slavery and human trafficking and child sexual exploitation, with the threat posed by online paedophiles.

"The number of rape and other serious sexual assaults reported to the police are high.

“However, they remain under reported and more needs to be done to encourage victims to come forward, regardless of when the crime was committed. Non recent crimes will be treated with the same professionalism and respect as current offences.

"In relation to child sexual exploitation, a multi-agency regional plan was developed some time ago.

"The Onyx team established by North Wales Police to tackle these abhorrent offences will continue to further develop their work.

"I will work with our partners to ensure all that can be done to safeguard these children is given the priority it deserves.

"Making the reporting of sexual abuse as straightforward as possible is a priority and an experienced Independent Sexual Violence Advisor will be offered as a supporter and advocate to each high risk survivor.

"In addition we will increase the number of programmes for perpetrators to reduce repeat offending and repeat victimisation.

"Another priority is the continued development of the Paedophile and Online Investigation Team (POLIT) in identifying perpetrators of child sexual exploitation, including those accessing indecent images of children through the internet and effective multi-agency working to protect children identified as being at risk.

"I’m pleased that we’re investing so many resources in tackling online sexual exploitation because the care of children is the most important thing we do.

"Paedophiles are becoming increasingly sophisticated so it is vitally important that we respond accordingly with a team of our own experts catching those committing these types of crime and bringing them to justice.

"This problem isn’t going to go away and we need to concentrate on raising awareness, education and reducing harm and I think there is some excellent work being done to reach this priority.

"I’m very happy to support the force in providing as much resources as needed to ensure that children, wherever they may be in the world, are safe.

"The aim is to secure an increase in reporting of sexual and domestic abuse by giving victims the confidence to come forward.

"We will provide an overall better service for victims affected by domestic

and sexual abuse and I want more perpetrators brought to justice so they can answer for their appalling crimes."

Chief Constable Mark Polin said: "This is going to be an effective strategy for policing North Wales and we are already geared up to delivering the objectives. The plan is fit for purpose, the priorities are right and we are already responding to them.

"The emerging crimes like child sexual exploitation and modern slavery affect the police service across England and Wales, and we are concerned to identify the new risks and threats to our communities. We are responding to them appropriately and robustly in conjunction with our partners.

"It's also important to recognise that North Wales is one of the safest places to live and work and that public confidence and satisfaction in what we do has been increasing for some time.

"As well as focusing on the emerging crimes, we will continue to do what the public want us to do in the traditional sense, by responding to the calls that they make to us and responding to the threats that they face in their communities across North Wales."

* To read the North Wales Police and Crime Plan in full go to: www.nwpcc.cymru.

FoE aims to bag a share of bag charge fund

Friends of the Earth Llangollen is bidding to bag a massive cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative.

Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch its community funding scheme, which sees grants of £4,000, £2,000 and £1,000 – all raised from the 5p bag levy – being awarded to local community projects.

FoE Llangollen is one of three groups in the local Tesco region shortlisted to receive the cash award and shoppers are being invited to head along to Tesco stores to vote for who they think should take away the top grant. Voting is open in stores throughout May and June. Customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop.

Llangollen FoE says it is aiming to make the area an officially pollinator friendly town.

It says in its bid summary: “We will improve our community for pollinating insects and people. We will create wildflower areas, install bee homes, raise awareness, hold a themed community fun day and work with schools.

“Bee friendly is a national accreditation scheme for pollinators which we want to achieve in Llangollen. There are four elements food, five star accommodation, freedom from pesticides and fun.

“Pollinators have declined hugely over the last 30 years and if we don't act now this will continue.

“In Wales since 2013 we have had an action plan for pollinators. Action is needed locally across the country to improve our environment for our vital pollinating insects.

“The benefits of supporting our pollinators are numerous, they are an essential part of healthy functioning ecosystems providing food and a diverse and attractive environment and supporting health and well-being, tourism, rural economies and urban green space. Pollinators are a fundamental element of our biodiversity.

“The project will work with the local community, Denbighshire County Council, the local Town Council, and other charities and conservation groups. We will be working with a local community led project Pengwern Wild Places which will enhance the amenity grass areas for residents and pollinators. We will run volunteer sessions to create wildflower areas.

“The project will also include habitat improvements within the schools and pollinator education workshops and resources. We want to raise awareness about pollinators and build on work we have already started with schools.”

Group member Warren Davies said: “This is a fantastic project that the whole Dee Valley can enjoy. We will be extremely grateful for any support Tesco customers can give us.”

Police issue Land Rover Defender security warning

Police are advising owners of Land Rover Defenders to keep them secure after attempts were made to steal two during the past week.

The first attempt was made at an address in Towyn on Wednesday April 26. Another was taken from the Glascoed area, near St Asaph, later the same day.

Four people were arrested as a result of these two incidents. They have all been released pending further enquiries.

David Williams, Designing Out Crime Officer for North Wales Police, said: “We are advising owners of these vehicles to be extra vigilant after several Land Rover Defenders have been stolen during the past year.

“We would urge people to fit an alarm with an immobiliser but also to use a mechanical device of some sort in a bid to dissuade any offender from even trying to hot-wire the ignition.”

He added: “These vehicles are very sought after, due to the fact that this popular model is no longer made. Unfortunately, as the demand for spare parts is only going to increase, owners of Land Rover Defenders should take all possible steps to prevent them being stolen.”

* Anyone who may have information relating to the thefts of the Land Rover Defenders is asked to call North Wales Police on 101.

Police warning after suspect skimming device found

Wrexham.com is reporting how police have warned people to be on their guard after a suspected skimming device was found on an ATM in Gresford.

For the full story, see: http://www.wrexham.com/news/warning-issued-after-suspect-skimming-device-found-on-atm-130717.html

Candidates line up for county and town elections

Tomorrow (Thursday) will see elections take place for the local seats on Denbighshire County Council and also for Llangollen Town Council.

Polling takes place between 7am and 10pm.

There are four candidates standing for the two Llangollen seats in the county elections. They are:  

DAVIES Stuart Arthur
Tyn-Y-Ffridd, Fron Bache, Llangollen, LL20 7BP
Independent

 
MILE Melvyn
30 Bishops Walk, Llangollen, LL20 8RZ
Independent 

 
SPALDING Robert
Llety, Llandrillo, Corwen, LL21 0TD
The Green Party/Plaid Werdd

TIMMS Graham
Lyndonhurst, Abbey Road, Llangollen, LL20 8SS
Welsh Labour/Llafur Cymru

Below are copies of the election leaflets for three of the candidates. Despite a request to The Green Party's regional HQ for information about its candidate, no reply was received.

Police boss appoints first slavery victim support officer

A police boss is stepping up his campaign against modern slavery with the appointment of the UK's first support officer dedicated to helping victims.

Tackling the "insidious" issue has been made a priority by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones (pictured) and will be central to his new blueprint for policing the region.

The post of Victim Support Officer is being funded by Mr Jones and the successful candidate will be based at the North Wales Victim Help Centre which is a one-stop-shop for victims of all crimes.

The centre covers the whole of North Wales and is based at divisional police HQ in St Asaph.

It brings together the support services of North Wales Police, the Witness Care Unit of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the former Victim Support organisation.

Each victim receives a response specifically tailored to their situation and the centre also employs specialists in mental health and hate crime.

The commissioner said: “Modern slavery and human trafficking are appalling and callous crimes which reach right into our society here in North Wales which is why I have made it one of my priorities in my Police and Crime Plan which sets the strategy for policing the area.

“It is vital to increase public awareness of one of the most insidious crimes faced by society and we are working hard with our partners to expose and tackle this crime, protect its victims and bring offenders to justice.

“To do this we need the communities of North Wales to support us, to look out for evidence of it and to contact the police if you have concerns.”

It was a view supported by Detective Inspector Gary Kelly, the North Wales Police's specialist on the scourge of modern slavery, who warned that modern slavery and human trafficking were a threat in the region.

Last year North Wales Police mounted two major investigations into modern slavery and safeguarded 17 people – but gathering evidence from frightened victims is difficult.

According to DI Kelly, the force had safeguarded 60 persons from Modern Day Slavery and trafficking in the last 12 months.

He said: “It is a challenge. The victims can be affected by language barriers and by self-blame and are often people being held under duress or coerced

“It’s difficult to gain their trust because they often come from countries where police forces are corrupt or don’t operate at the level that the police do in the UK.

“The seriousness of the problem has been recognised in North Wales and in great part that is because of Arfon Jones and we are looking to appoint a victim support officer which would be unique and has never been done before.

“Dealing with modern slavery is a challenge but we are lucky to have a Police and Crime Commissioner and Police Executive who are passionate about it because this crime doesn’t always get that level of support and scrutiny elsewhere.

“We do have significant challenges ahead of us but we are heading in the right direction.

“Much of the problem is linked to the victim care issue because if you lose the victim then it significantly affects the investigation.”

He said that modern slavery and human trafficking in North Wales can be linked to Ireland but with North Wales as a thoroughfare, through the port of Holyhead, to the North West of England and a complicating factor was that many victims were being brought in and out of the area on a daily basis.

North Wales Police currently have seven investigations under way.

DI Kelly said: “You have to question whether people who drive into a car wash or visit a nail bar wonder how they can get full valet for £4.50 – the answer is pretty straightforward.

“We need to start asking these difficult questions because there’s exploitation taking place here.”

* North Wales Police has further information on its modern slavery website at www.north-wales.police.uk/advice-and-support/stay-safe/modern-slavery.aspx.

If you suspect slavery is happening near you please report it to police on 101, anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 012 1700 or BAWSO on 08007318147. The victim help service is available from 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturdays.

It can be contacted by Freephone on 0300 3030159, by email at: northwales.helpcentre@victimsupport.org.uk, or via the websites www.victimhelpcentrenorthwales.org.uk or www.canolfangymorthiddioddefwyrgogleddcymru.org.uk

Jades re-opens after months of repair work

* The Jades team don their shades against the light

after months in the dark as repair work went ahead.

Jades Hair and Beauty Salon in Llangollen has re-opened its beauty rooms after disaster struck its premises last November.
 
The salon has added a newly revamped first floor beauty room offering the latest nail, beauty and make-up treatments.

However, it was a very different story four months ago. 

Having started the first phase of redevelopment with their ground floor hair salon in summer 2016, owners and sisters Louise Wilson and Sue Davies were delighted that the work was completed in time for the hectic Christmas season.

But just two weeks later a vehicle ploughed into the salon causing major structural damage to the property. Miraculously nobody was injured in the incident. 

The salon had to be underpinned and the building was shrouded in hoarding. Business continued as usual whilst a taskforce of builders, insurers and the Jades team set about another refurbishment programme. 

Louise and Sue brought their phase two development plans forward. They decided to refurbish the first floor beauty rooms with nail bars and make-up stations at the same time as the structural repairs.

They quickly adapted their business plan and continued to run the hair salon with the builders on site.

Louise said: “Our dedicated staff were relying on us to keep our nerve and make the best out of the situation. It was certainly far from ideal but we are not quitters and we were heading towards one of our busiest trading periods in the run up to Christmas. 

“We owed it to our loyal customers to keep going and continue to offer them the usual high standard of service. I’m delighted to say we pulled it off but it wasn’t without the support and kindness from friends, family, clients and complete strangers, and of course a few sleepless nights.

“We were overwhelmed by the messages of goodwill we received. Llangollen has a real community spirit and this shone through when things got tough for us."
 
Sue said: “We were truly humbled by all the good wishes we received from residents and businesses alike. Out of difficult situations often comes good. We re-evaluated our plans and decided to bring our entire refurbishment plan forward by nine months. 

“It was the right decision and we are now delighted we can offer clients an exclusive area to relax and enjoy their pamper sessions with nail stations and make-up areas that complements our ground floor hair salon.”