TRIBUTES have been paid to the first-ever North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner who was hailed as a “true policing pioneer” as he left office.

Caernarfon-born Winston Roddick decided not to stand for re-election so that he can spend more time with his family, particularly his young grandchildren. Mr Roddick made history when he was elected in November 2012 when he stood as an independent candidate.

Despite massive budget cut-backs, his time in office has seen an overall reduction in crime of 11.7 per cent while victim-based crime has fallen by 10.5 per cent. During the same period, the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads of north Wales has decreased by 17 per cent.

Specialist teams were also established to combat emerging problems like child sexual exploitation and cyber crime.

Following his retirement, there was praise from Stephen Hughes, the chief executive of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, who described Mr Roddick as a “true policing pioneer”.

Mr Hughes said: “Mr Roddick has carried out the role of PCC tremendously well since being elected in November 2012.

“His list of achievements are long, including a significant reduction in crime over his term in office, protecting the frontline during a time of unprecedented financial cutbacks and the introduction of the Rural Crime Team which has received national and international recognition.

“However, his lasting legacy I believe is the care and support now afforded to victims of crime in north Wales."

See the full story in this week’s Arfon/Dwyfor and Meirionnydd editions of the Cambrian News