North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin is holding his first online advice surgery for the business community of the region via Microsoft Teams on 15 January 2025 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm as part of the PCC’s mission to bring policing closer to the people of North Wales. This innovative initiative will enable local business owners and operators to discuss policing in their communities and to raise any concerns they might have with the Commissioner.
As part of his Police and Crime Plan for North Wales, to be launched in the coming months, Andy Dunbobbin will pledge to support victims, communities and businesses. Therefore, he is keen to hear the thoughts of local business owners on what changes or improvements they feel could be made to how policing engages with, and serves, the business community in North Wales – whether from retail, hospitality, manufacturing or any other commercial enterprise.
The surgery will take the form of an open, online forum. The Commissioner will be joined online by representatives from his office and North Wales Police, to provide the maximum possible assistance to the public. While the Commissioner is happy to take points on the call, questions are requested in advance so that adequate preparation and assistance can be offered. The Commissioner 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: “This upcoming online surgery for the North Wales business community marks a significant step forward in our efforts to strengthen the bond between me and the communities we serve across North Wales. By embracing this digital format, we’re making it easier than ever for busy business owners to have their voices heard, regardless of their location. We have seen the rise in recent years of shoplifting, violence towards staff, increased instances of making off without payment, and vandalism against business premises. I am determined to work with business owners, North Wales Police and other agencies to help reduce this and am looking forward to speaking to the region’s business community to hear their thoughts, discuss their problems and to act on their concerns.”
How it works
The PCC will be accompanied by staff from his team during the online event, who will help to facilitate the meetings and take notes if needed.
Attendance on the call is by booking only to ensure that numbers are managed effectively, the issues being raised relate to policing, crime or community safety, and to ensure the PCC is briefed on the issues to be discussed 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.
How to book a place
If you would like to book to attend the online business community surgery with Andy Dunbobbin, please contact the PCC’s office with your name, contact information and what you would like to discuss during the meeting, by:
Email: opcc@northwales.police.uk
Phone: 01492 805486
Post: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner North Wales, Police Headquarters. Glan y Don, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8AW
Please note, surgery slots are limited and work on a first come, first served basis and a slot cannot be guaranteed for everyone. If the session is full, residents will be given the details of alternative events. Booked attendees will be sent joining details closer to the date of the event.
