A recent walkabout in Colwyn Bay has highlighted a familiar mix of challenges for the town centre, alongside signs of progress from local policing and partnership working.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin joined PC Jake Robbins of the neighbourhood policing team for a tour of key areas including Abergele Road, the Bay View Shopping Centre, Sea View Road, Station Road and Penrhyn Road. The visit brought into focus several ongoing concerns raised by residents and businesses.

Chief among them were shoplifting, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and street drinking, which continue to be cited as key issues affecting confidence in the town centre. While officers pointed to recent reductions in crime, they also acknowledged that these problems still shape public perception and day-to-day experiences in Colwyn Bay.

A key part of the discussion centred on the renewed Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) covering the town centre, the Dingle and the Donkey Path. These measures are designed to give police additional powers to deal with persistent ASB, but their effectiveness relies heavily on reporting and enforcement.

That theme—reporting—came up repeatedly. Local representatives stressed that underreporting remains a barrier, with concerns that some incidents are not being formally logged, limiting the ability of police to target resources effectively.

There were also more immediate environmental and safety concerns raised around Station Road, particularly linked to the newly relaunched Station Road Market. While the market is seen as a positive step in boosting footfall and supporting independent traders, issues were highlighted around parking in pedestrian zones and instances of reckless driving in the area.

County Councillor Chris Hughes said improved engagement between police, the council and the community was starting to show results, particularly through local action panels and street surgeries. He pointed to increased visible policing in estates and town centre areas, saying this had helped reduce problems over time, while still urging residents to report incidents consistently.

Alongside enforcement and safety concerns, the visit also touched on regeneration and community confidence. Independent businesses such as Ink Art Gallery and Lounge and the forthcoming Graff Caff were highlighted as examples of growing creative and commercial activity in the town centre—though their success is closely tied to perceptions of safety and accessibility.

For the policing teams involved, the message from the visit was clear: partnership working is making a difference, but sustained reporting from the public and continued visible policing will be crucial if Colwyn Bay is to fully address issues around ASB, retail crime and town centre behaviour.