August 04, 2025 - 796 views
Rural Crime Action Week is taking place 8-10 September and is an issue that is of huge importance to the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin.
Rural and wildlife crime stands as a key priority within his Police and Crime Plan for North Wales and he is determined to listen to, and act on, the views of the public in this area of crime.
With this in mind, alongside North Wales Police, he is holding an online surgery via Microsoft Teams on 10 September 2025 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm dedicated to rural and wildlife crime.
The online surgery will enable local people to discuss policing in rural communities and to raise any concerns or comments they might have with the Commissioner and representatives from North Wales Police, remotely.
Example of areas for discussion include the six priorities in rural crime outlined in the new Wales Rural Crime Strategy, which launched in July.
This continues the successful collaboration between Welsh police forces and the Welsh Government and builds on the achievements of the landmark first joint strategy which has helped coordinate action against crimes affecting Wales' countryside.
The new strategy outlines six priority areas: bird crime, farm crime, habitats, heritage crime, mammals and European protected species, and networking rural support services - the latter uniquely addressing mental health vulnerabilities in rural communities.
Attendees will have 20 minutes to speak personally with the Commissioner, who will be accompanied by representatives from his office and North Wales Police, to provide the maximum possible assistance to the public. The conversations will remain confidential, and the Commissioner, officers and staff will be able to provide further signposting if an issue can be more appropriately dealt with by other agencies and organisations.
Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales commented: "I am delighted to be hosting an online surgery for the people of North Wales focused specifically on rural and wildlife crime, which is an area I am hugely focused on in my job and which forms a key part of my Police and Crime Plan to reduce offending in North Wales.
“I always aim to listen closely to what residents are telling me, and the online surgery is a great way for residents of North Wales to voice their concerns. Please get in touch now to book and discuss any issues that you want to raise with me.”
The Police and Crime Commissioner has four main duties, they are to set the priorities for policing in North Wales; to decide the budget for North Wales Police; to listen and respond to the public’s views on policing; and to hold the Chief Constable to account.
The PCC will be accompanied by staff from his team and North Wales Police during the online event, who will help to facilitate the meetings and take notes if needed.
Surgeries are by appointment only to ensure that the issues being raised relate to policing, crime or community safety, and to ensure the PCC is fully briefed on the issue prior to the meeting.
While the Commissioner is unable to intervene directly in operational matters, he welcomes residents’ feedback on how North Wales is policed.
The PCC will not be able to consider complaints about police officers, members of police staff, police community support officers or special constables as this has to go through the existing and established channels. Further advice on the complaints system is on the OPCC website here.
If you would like to book a 20-minute slot with Andy Dunbobbin, please contact the PCC’s office with your name, contact information and what you would like to discuss during your meeting, by:
Email: opcc@northwales.police.uk
Phone: 01492 805486
By post: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner North Wales, Police Headquarters. Glan y Don, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8AW
Surgery slots are limited and work on a first come, first served basis and a slot cannot be guaranteed for everyone. If a session is full, residents will be given the details of alternative sessions.
