Disturbing rise in violent crime in Rhyl's West End

Jun 24 2009 by Andrew Davies, Denbigh Visitor

Rhyl West End

VIOLENT crime in Rhyl’s West End has soared by over 50% compared to this time last year.

The Visitor can reveal the number of incidents of violent crime in that part of the seaside town was up to 192 over March, April and May, shooting up from 125 over the same period last year – almost a 54% rise.

Despite the statistics for burglary, robbery and anti-social behaviour all showing a decline; the overall crime rate for the area has increased due to the number of violent crimes committed during the three-month period.

The police have described crime as high for Rhyl West while Rhyl South West is seen as above average.

Vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones told the Visitor: “I am disappointed to see this sudden sharp rise in violent crime and feel that we must redouble efforts in this area to ensure that our town is safe residents and visitors. Overall crime in North Wales has fallen dramatically and continues to do so. ”

MP Chris Ruane praised the efforts of the police but admits that the figures are “disturbing”.

“North Wales Police and all the other agencies have worked extremely hard in tackling crime in Rhyl's West End as shown by the decline in the burglary, robbery and anti-social behaviour figures,” he said.

“A few years ago the ward was chosen as a policing priority area and the focus on crime led to a huge reduction in all areas of crime.

“However, the steep increase in violent crime figures is disturbing and additional efforts will need to be made to tackle this.”

Superintendent Barry Jones from the Central Command Team said: “In relation to the current violent crime figures increases in West Rhyl there are a number of factors that can influence this.

“The current economic climate is encouraging more people to holiday in the UK than abroad and Rhyl is a popular holiday destination, hot weather can also bring out the worst in people who perhaps drink a little more than they should and behave inappropriately.

“Other factors that should be taken into account are the increased visibility and access to police officers that Inspector Steve Williams and his Neighbourhood Policing team have worked hard to implement. This has clearly given the public greater confidence to come forward and report crimes to us that in the past they might not have bothered to.”