POLICE in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd say they are continuing to target the prevention and reduction of crimes where violence has played a part.

Acting inspector, Gerwyn Thomas at Porthmadog Police Station has told the Cambrian News that violent crimes resulting in injury have been a subject of a focused and targeted approach over the past year resulting in their rural policing district achieving the ‘best detection’ rate within North Wales Police.

Inspector Thomas said: “We are clearly pleased our performance in detecting violent crime is the best in north Wales, with over half of the incidents ethically reported resulting in positive detection.

“However, we are not sitting on our laurels and will continue to focus on continuing to make our communities safer places to live.

“I want to see incidents of violence reduced and so the focus will be raising awareness, working closer with partner agencies to reduce incidents of domestic abuse and further training and closer working relationships with licensed premises and their staff.”

Inspector Thomas says he is concerned about a slight percentage increase in reported violent crime within the area this year to date.

He said: “As a result, we have established a working group which has implemented a plan aimed at the reduction and detection of such crime.

“We are specifically targeting public and domestic violence. A significant number of incidents can be directly linked to consumption of alcohol which is often highlighted during sporting events.

“During the run-up to the upcoming sporting events, including the Six Nations which starts next week, we will continue to focus our approach in this area being visible presence and deterrent within the community.”

Inspector Thomas had stressed the force will continue to work closely with the pub watch schemes and partner agencies to make a safer north Wales.

“I am a strong believer in supporting and safeguarding repeat victims and will use all tools available to target persistent offenders, these will include Criminal Behaviour Orders, Closure Orders on properties, Domestic Violence Prevention Orders, Pub Watch bans to name but a few.

“However, we must not lose sight of the fact we live in a very beautiful and safe part of the UK.

“We want to keep it that way but it’s something we can’t do alone, we all have a part to play.

“We have a great track record of working well with our partners and local communities which has contributed to making south Gwynedd a safe place to live, work and visit.

“We can’t do this alone and it must be emphasised we need continued assistance from our local communities to help reduce incidents of violence or help us identify those responsible when they do occur,” he added.

If you need to contact police about any urgent incidents of violence contact 999 or for none urgent matters use 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.