NORTH Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Andy Dunbobbin, visited Dolgellau yesterday (August 25) to see how a new mobile policing service is ensuring rural communities in North Wales have better support access and know where to turn if they are victims of crime.

This new dedicated vehicle provides a visible base for North Wales Police (NWP) officers and police community support officers to actively engage with the communities of North Wales and offer a mobile police station service.

It means that staff can work away from a station for longer periods of time, as well as being able to invite members of the public inside for meetings or general discussions.

The vehicle has been jointly funded by the PCC and NWP, and is decked out in police livery, meaning the van is identifiable to the public as a police vehicle.

It also displays the logo of the office of the PCC.

Unlike most other police vehicles, this one offers many of the comforts and facilities that mean rural communities can meet police staff and share their thoughts in a welcoming, friendly and private environment.

It includes:

  • A meeting table for four people.
  • A small worktop and kitchen area including a sink, microwave and hot water boiler.
  • Charging points for laptops and phones.
  • A Wi-Fi router that can be used to connect devices.
  • Temperature controls.
  • Lighting.
  • An external awning to offer weather protection and additional space outside. 

The vehicle visited Y Marian Car Park in Dolgellau for an engagement session with the community and to raise awareness of NWP’s community alert system.

Following his visit to the new vehicle, the PCC had a walk in the town centre with the mayor of Dolgellau, John Raghoobar, to discuss policing matters and concerns in the area.

Mr Dunbobbin said: “I was delighted to visit Dolgellau to see the new police engagement vehicle and mobile police station and to meet the dedicated officers and staff whose hard work made it possible.

“I believe in making policing as accessible as possible for all our communities across North Wales, especially those might be far from the nearest police station, as many of our rural areas are.

“With this new vehicle, local communities across Gwynedd and Anglesey will be able access policing services right on their doorstep, getting the support and advice from the NWP that will help keep them, their families, and their communities safe from crime.”

Sergeant Simon Barlow added: “It was a pleasure to welcome the PCC to Dolgellau and to show him our new engagement vehicle, which will make an important difference in the way we serve people in rural areas across North-West Wales.

“The new vehicle means we are able to meet people in their own communities and helps ensure that policing is brought closer to home.

“NWP is committed to making North Wales the safest place in the UK, and part of that is making sure we are as accessible and available as possible to all residents and visitors to the region.

“Our engagement session in Dolgellau was a great example of this aim in action.”

READ MORE:

Abandoned vehicle without valid tax or MOT recovered in Gwynedd

Teenager confronted on Gwynedd path as police make appeal

The vehicle will be used in the Ynys Môn, Gwynedd North and Gwynedd South areas and will be managed by neighbourhood policing teams.

As well as serving communities on a regular basis, it will also be used during peak holiday weeks when there is an influx of visitors and tourists, as well as for events, engagement, recruitment sessions, and other policing operations.

Residents can find out where the new vehicle will be visiting by following NWP social media pages and via North Wales Community Alert, the free messaging service for people who live, work and visit North Wales.

Sign up and learn more at: www.northwalescommunityalert.co.uk.