Warning on council tax phone scam

Flintshire County Council is asking residents to be on their guard following reports of a phone scam targeting Council Tax payers across North Wales.

Bogus callers are telephoning tax payers advising that they can help them claim a refund of overpaid Council Tax and to arrange a refund into their bank account.

David Barnes, Council Tax Manager said, "I would like to stress that this is a scam designed to obtain peoples bank account details. We would advise residents never to give their personal banking details over the phone, unless they are totally sure that they are speaking to a genuine caller.

If you are in any doubt, take the caller's number and check that they are genuine, before calling back."

Any suspicious calls of this nature should be reported to the police.

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Ex-landlord loses licence over vodka scam

The perils of scamming drinkers with cheap spirits have been brought home to a former Anglesey landlord.

Harry Edward Bridge, of 54 High Street, Cemaes Bay, lost his licence to sell alcohol last week after being caught selling cheap spirits labeled as Smirnoff vodka.

During a routine visit to The Stag Inn in Cemaes Bay earlier this year, Trading Standards Officer found a bottle of Smirnoff vodka containing a cheap low strength spirit.

Mr Bridge, aged 62, who no longer runs the pub, pleaded guilty to two charges under the Food Safety Act, namely selling food (alcohol) not of the quality demanded and falsely describing the vodka on sale; and one charge of Trademark infringement, under the Trademarks Act.

Holyhead Magistrates ordered him to forfeit his personal licence to sell alcohol and pay a total of £450 in fines and costs.

Following the case brought by Anglesey Trading Standards, Principal Trading Standards Officer, Emma Jones, stressed, "Substituting branded spirits for cheaper alternatives is fraud, and will not be tolerated."

Environment portfolio holder, Councillor Bob Parry OBE, is responsible for trading standards matters. He added, "In the current economic climate, many people have a lot less disposable income and so the least they expect is to get what they pay for, and not to be charged full price for a cheap substitute. Our Trading Standards Officers will continue to visit premises on the Island to ensure that the public are not being ripped off and that they can buy with confidence."

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Cardiff alcohol and violence research wins top award

Pioneering Cardiff University research into violence, alcohol and late-night safety has been recognised with one of the highest awards in the academic world.

The University’s Violence and Society Research Group is among the winners of a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for excellence in higher education, announced on Wednesday at a ceremony at St James’s Palace, London. Her Majesty the Queen will present the award to the University at Buckingham Palace in February.

For more than a decade, the Research Group’s findings have been translated into practical action to tackle late-night injuries in city centres. A key part of winning the Award was the Group’s work in setting up the prototype Crime Reduction Partnership in Cardiff in 1996. Academics, health professionals, South Wales Police and Cardiff Council worked together to identify violence hot-spots. In this period, Cardiff became the safest city of its size in the UK. Following Government legislation, many other communities have now adopted Cardiff’s partnership model, now known in Wales as Community Safety Partnerships.

Other key achievements by the Group, which includes Cardiff University experts in surgery, medicine, psychology, business and statistics, are:

• · Use of anonymised Accident and Emergency data to identify trends in late-night violence. This is used by Community Safety Partnerships and in the Group’s annual national violence survey
• · New programmes of care for violence victims at every stage of their treatment, including a new service for post traumatic stress
• · Identifying risk factors for violence – including crowd movements, levels of CCTV surveillance and the price of alcohol.
• · Research on "glassing" injuries which has led to the introduction of toughened glass and plastic vessels in pubs and nightclubs
• · Research leading to the creation of the Universities’ Police Science Institute – a collaboration between Cardiff University, Glamorgan University and South Wales Police, which combines practical policing research with police training
• · International policy development for the World Health Organisation Violence Prevention Alliance

Welsh Assembly Government First Minister Rhodri Morgan said: "The Queen’s Anniversary Prize is one of the top honours a University can be awarded and Cardiff University should be really proud of their achievement.

"I would like to congratulate heartily Professor Jonathan Shepherd and his team because their work has made a real difference to so many people who live in and travel to the capital city of Wales to enjoy its attractions by night and day. It is important that these people feel safe and the University’s research into the cause of violent injury and possible pathways to reduction of harm is helping to achieve that.

"The Cardiff Violence Prevention Group was established to translate this research into practical action. The results of their work speak volumes – a 40 per cent decrease in violence levels in the Cardiff area."

The Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, Dr David Grant said: “This is not just a triumph for Cardiff University, but for our entire community.

“The Violence and Society Research Group is a perfect example of how academic excellence can bring practical benefits. The team’s discoveries about the causes and consequences of violence have been recognised around the world as breaking new ground in research. This pioneering approach has then been put to work through the Cardiff Community Safety Partnership, creating a safer environment on our streets in a way which has now been adopted throughout the UK.

"Clearly, we at Cardiff University are delighted that Professor Shepherd and his team have achieved our fourth success in the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes - one of the most prestigious awards in higher education. We also believe that this is a success in which the NHS, South Wales Police, Cardiff Council and all our local partners can take pride."

Professor Jonathan Shepherd, of Cardiff University’s School of Dentistry and Director of the Research Group, said: "I first became concerned about this issue as a young surgeon treating the victims of facial injuries every week. It seemed amazing that many cases I saw were not being reported to the police. Over the years, my colleagues and I have worked to find practical solutions from health-based research. It is a great privilege to receive this Award, and hugely encouraging for our continuing work with our partners, locally, nationally and internationally in preventing community violence."

Cardiff’s success in the awards has also been welcomed by its partners:

South Wales Police Chief Constable Barbara Wilding said: “The University Violence and Society Research Group has been one of the key members of the Community Safety Partnership and together we have made great strides in tackling city centre violence and making Cardiff city a safer place. I am delighted that the research group has been the recipient of this prestigious award. Together with our partners we are now looking forward to extend this work throughout the whole of the South Wales area.”

Councillor Judith Woodman, Cardiff Council Executive Member for Communities, Housing and Social Justice, said: "I am delighted the Violence Research Group is being recognised with this prestigious award. The work undertaken has made a great deal of difference. The partnership of the group which has seen health, the Police and ourselves working closely together with licensees and academics to tackle violent crime has made our city safer for everyone and it is fantastic this success is being acknowledged."

David Francis, Chair of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and All-Wales Champion for reducing violence and aggression against NHS staff, said: "I want to congratulate Professor Shepherd and his Cardiff University colleagues on this achievement. It represents many years hard work and has resulted in many less injured people. This is an excellent example of partnership work, with the University and the Health Board working alongside local authority and police partners to make our streets safer and in supporting victims of violence and improving protection for staff from aggressors. Professor Shepherd’s work has been central to this success."

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Councils' warning on council tax phone scam

Gwynedd and Anglesey Councils are warning Council tax payers to be vigilant against a phone scam which seems to be widespread throughout Wales.

It seems that council tax payers in both counties have been randomly contacted by a fraudster offering them help to claim a refund of overpaid council tax. Worryingly, however, they are asked for personal bank account details information during the call.

Gwynedd Council stresses that this is a despicable scam in an effort to get people to disclose their personal bank details. Should residents receive such a call they are firmly advised not to provide any personal details what so ever.

Anglesey Trading Standards' Martin Wyn Jones added, "Fraudsters are always inventing new ways to try to con people, and this seems to be the latest effort. Cold-callers can catch people off-guard, but our advice is to contact your local trading standards if unsure about any phone calls."

Anglesey Trading Standards can be contacted on (01248) 752840 or go to the Trading Standards page on our website.

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Warning on council tax phone scam

Denbighshire's Council Tax team is calling for the public to be vigilant against a phone scam where callers claim they can either increase the amount of benefits you receive or say they can apply for a refund as there is a scheme being funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.

This scam has been happening in parts of the country and a small number of incidents have been reported in Denbighshire where residents have been called and told by the caller they can maximise the benefits or council tax received and then go on to ask for personal bank account details.

Ken Jones, Denbighshire's Head of Revenues and Benefits, said: "This is despicable fraudulent behaviour and the council wants to raise awareness of these kinds of calls, to make sure people do not give personal banking details over the phone to these unscrupulous individuals.

"We would advise residents never to give their personal banking details over the phone, unless they are 100% sure they are speaking to a professional individual working on behalf of a recognised organisation. If you're in any doubt, take the caller's number and check validity before calling back. Anyone working in a professional capacity won't mind you doing this."

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White ribbon campaign on domestic violence

On November 25, a series of events and campaigns will commence throughout the UK in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The Flintshire Domestic Abuse Partnership, part of the community Safety Partnership will be joining this campaign by holding two events across Flintshire.

The first event will be held on Friday, November 20 at Deeside Leisure Centre between 6 – 8pm and is aimed at young people. The second will be on Saturday, November 21 at Flint Retail Park between 11am – 3pm.

The White Ribbon Campaign was originally started by a handful of men, after fourteen women were killed in Montreal, Canada in 1989 for the simple reason they dared pursue a career in a
profession that was traditionally claimed by men. It was a tragedy that unleashed legislative change, research, new attitudes and national soul searching that continues to this day.

When comparing violence committed by women and by men, the British Crime Survey notes that the results of men’s violence is five times as likely to require medical attention. Women
are four times as likely as men to fear for their lives, and three and a half times more likely to be murdered by a male spouse than vice versa.

Some forms of violence have a greater physical or emotional impact than others but all forms of violence contribute to the very real fear and suffering that women in our society endure. The basic rights that most men enjoy – safety in their homes, ability to go out at night, a job free from harrassment – are a source of fear for women in much of the world.

Violence against women causes more deaths and disability than cancer, malaria, traffic accidents or war.

Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge that you will never commit, condone or keep silent about acts of violence against women.

Jackie Goundrey, Flintshire Domestic Abuse Coordinator, said: "This year the Partnership’s focus is to raise awareness amongst young people.

"National research suggests an alarming level of tolerance towards sexual abuse and violence. It is important that attitudes and beliefs are challenged at every opportunity."

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Impact Day: Latest

Today's operation across the North Wales Police force area has resulted in 84 people being arrested for a variety of offences.

Over 180 police officers were involved in the execution of warrants and searching of premises in a crack down on crime.

In the counties of Gwynedd and Anglesey the total number of arrests currently stands at 47, with 13 people remaining in custody.

Following the execution of a search warrant in one property in Merionnydd, numerous weapons, including large knives, and a quantity of what appears to be class A controlled drugs were seized. As a result a 24-year-old man from the Meirionnydd area was arrested for possession with intent to supply controlled drugs and other associated offences. He remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

Several other people remain in custody for possession of class A drugs, following the recovery of numerous cannabis plants and a hydroponics system.

In the Conwy and Denbighshire areas 22 arrests have been made for offences including possession of class A and B drugs, assault, burglary, race related offences and harassment.

In Wrexham and Flintshire 15 people were arrested and a large quantity of class A, B and C drugs were seized. A quantity of stolen goods were also recovered.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard said: "North Wales Police is committed to reducing crime and protecting people and today's coordinated force wide strike against crime and offenders demonstrates this.

After the success of today's operation we will be putting the evidence we have collated before the Crown Prosecution Service. Across North Wales we have disrupted criminal activity and we are now seeking to put these offenders before the courts."

The team is working to make your neighbourhood a safer place to live. If you have information about crime or anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood, you can contact your team directly on 101, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line), 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Alternatively send a text message to 66767 or email - northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk

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Warrants and searches across North Wales in one day initiative

North Wales Police have today (Wednesday 18 November) embarked on a high profile impact day targeting criminals across the six counties of North Wales.

Since 6 am police teams made up of uniform officers, detectives and other specialist officers have across each of the three divisions been arresting offenders, executing warrants and searching premises in a crack down on crime.

Police Community Support Officers are also working alongside operational teams to reassure local communities where there may be visible increased activity.

The operation will continue throughout the day with updates on arrests being given on the website www.north-wales.police.uk by 12 noon, 3 pm and 6 pm.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard said: "North Wales Police is committed to reducing crime and protecting people and today's coordinated force wide strike against crime and offenders demonstrates this. We will be putting the evidence we have collated before the Crown Prosecution Service. As we approach a busy time of year for the Police we are eager to disrupt criminal activity and put offenders before the Courts."

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Postal Scam Alert

Council Trading Standards officers are warning Neath Port Talbot Residents to be on the lookout for the latest postal scam.

A fake company with a bogus London address leads consumers to believe they have tried to deliver a parcel. They leave a card through the letterbox with the recipients name and address. The consumer is duped into giving their credit or debit card to settle the £2.20 redelivery charge. Victims then find their cards have been debited thousands of pounds.

Whilst officers can confirm there are no local cases, they warn it could be matter of time before residents are duped into parting with vast sums of cash.

Council Leader Ali Thomas said, "We are encouraging everyone to be vigilant. Those that have been caught out by this scam are advised to contact their bank or building society immediately".

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Llandudno Junction school targeted by burglars

An appeal for witnesses and information is being made after a school in Llandudno Junction has been targeted by burglars twice in recent weeks.

Laptops have been stolen from Ysgol Maelgwn during both burglaries.

The latest incident is believed to have occurred during the evening of Monday 9th November, whereby entry has been gained via one of the school windows.

An untidy search was carried out and several laptop computers were stolen.

The other incident is believed to have occurred sometime between Thursday 22nd October and Monday 26th October. Again, laptop computers were stolen.

Police are appealing for any witnesses, or anybody who may have witnessed suspicious behaviour around the school area to contact officers at either Conwy or Llandudno Police Station on 101, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line), 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively send a text message to 66767 or email – northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk

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More than 100 arrested in Newport during drugs crackdown

Over 100 people have been arrested as part of a dedicated two month crackdown on criminal activity, particularly the illegal use and supply of drugs, in the Pill area of Newport.

Launched in September, the objectives of Operation Prudent were to; prevent, investigate and bring to justice those involved in acts of violence, criminality or disorder associated with the unlawful supply of drugs, protect and reassure local residents and develop community intelligence within the Pill ward area.

A total of 113 arrests have been made so far during the operation. These include:

11 arrested for possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply
13 arrested for possession of controlled drugs
5 arrested for possession of an offensive weapon
1 arrested for possession of a firearm
1 arrested for possession of firearm ammunition
7 arrested for robbery
4 arrested for burglary
12 arrested for theft/fraud
3 arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol
2 arrested for criminal damage
27 arrested for public order offences

Quantities of drugs seized include:

1 kilogram of heroin
1 kilogram of cocaine
1 kilogram of amphetamines
1/2 kilogram of crack cocaine

plus, 2 cannabis factories were discovered and dismantled.

In addition to this £28,000 worth of assets were seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act, part of this money will now be used to fund further policing activity. Over 120 motoring offences were also detected and 424 people were stopped and searched.

Pill residents have told us that as a result of the increased police presence and positive action on their streets they now feel more confident and safer in their neighbourhood.

DCI Ian Roberts, leading Operation Prudent is encouraged by this and believes Prudent is having the desired impact;

"This kind of feedback from our communities shows we are really tackling the things that matter.

Drug dealing has been a prime concern for people living in Pill this year and by targeting this we have identified offenders responsible for further criminal activity in the area. I want to assure residents that we are taking a very hard line on illegal supply of drugs and are working closely with the organisations that help those who want to leave drug taking in their past and turn their lives around.

Anyone concerned in the use or supply of illegal drugs in Gwent should know that as well as the arrests and seizures made during this operation, officers have also gleaned a lot of information and intelligence about drug related criminal activity in our communities. Using this we will continue to tackle the issue, and prohibit profiting from illegal drugs in Gwent.”

Information from the public is vital to the police to help tackle drug related criminality. Anyone with information can assist officers by contacting their local policing team on 101 or providing information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Cash-in-transit robbery: Police appeal for witnesses

South Wales Police is appealing for witnesses to a cash-in-transit robbery which occurred outside a Cardiff supermarket on Friday, November 13.

The incident happened at Tesco, Pengam Green, at around 5.30pm while security staff were delivering money to the store.

A security worker was pushed to the floor by a man who stole a case containing a large quantity of cash.

No weapons were used and the Group 4 Securicor worker was not seriously injured.

The suspect, who is described as white and was wearing a hooded top, left the store in a silver Jaguar S-type car driven by an accomplice.

The vehicle was found abandoned shortly after the incident in the car park of the nearby Fitness First gym.

Forensic tests are being carried out on the car and officers are viewing CCTV footage.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have information, particularly those who may have seen this incident or the Jaguar car before or after the incident, to contact them.

Anyone with information is asked to call Roath CID on 029 2052 7262 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Another Brothel Manager Stripped

Nicholas Walter Tredgett of Bradley Stoke, Bristol, who was convicted of money laundering and controlling prostitution at Swansea Crown Court in November 2007, has been ordered to pay back £138,987 or face two more years in prison.

During Operation Pentameter in March 2006, which was led nationally by ACPO; Nicholas Tredgett was arrested at a brothel in Britannia Road, Swansea in possession of a large sum of cash, believed to be the takings from the brothel. He was later linked to further premises in Cardiff and Ipswich, which prostituted vulnerable South Asian women.

In November 2007, Tredgett pleaded guilty to offences of money laundering and controlling prostitution and was sentenced to four years imprisonment. He was then subject to a Regional Asset Recovery Team investigation, which described how Tredgett had funded his lifestyle by criminality and also revealed that at least £250,000 had been transferred to accounts in China.

During the confiscation hearing held at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday 10th November 2009), His Honour Judge Diehl praised a long and complex investigation. He concluded that Tredgett’s criminal benefit had been £499,544. The available assets including the proceeds of the sale of a house together with monies ordered to return from China.

A confiscation order was made for £138,987 which Tredgett has four months to pay, with a term of two years imprisonment set in default. The Court did not accept Tredgett’s defence that a large portion of the monies held in his accounts belonged to other working girls and should not be included in the calculation of his assets.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Dodd, Head of Regional Asset Recovery Team (Wales) said:

“This is yet another of the national ‘Pentameter’ investigations which targeted those involved in the trafficked sex-trade and follows the confiscation hearing of Diana Jones who was convicted in December 2007 and made subject of a £2.6 million order in July of this year. In this case, Tredgett pleaded guilty to offences of money laundering and controlling prostitution in premises across the country.

“This confiscation order is the conclusion of a complex investigation which brought together a number of Agencies including South Wales Police, Suffolk Police, the CPS Complex Case Unit and the Wales Regional Asset Recovery Team. By denying organised criminals access to their proceeds and working capital, we seek to protect our community and the trafficked victims of this vile trade. The wider law enforcement community have again reiterated their commitment to pursue criminal assets whenever we can.”

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Warrant executed in Cefn Mawr, Wrexham

A man was arrested on Friday 13th November after a warrant was executed at an address in Cefn Mawr, Wrexham.

As a result of the warrant which took place at an address on Coronation Street, police seized a large quantity of what is believed to be Class A drugs.

An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply and has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information in relation to drug crime should contact North Wales Police on 101, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively send a text message to 66767 or email – northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk

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Robbery in Holyhead: Update

Update regarding the robbery which occurred at the Travel Lodge in Holyhead on Thursday 12th November:

The 36-year-old man who was arrested has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnesses suspicious behaviour in or around the area of Kingsland Road, to contact officers at Holyhead CID on 101, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line), 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Theft of poppy collection boxes in Conwy county

An appeal for witnesses and information is being made following the theft of Poppy Collection Boxes.

Over the last two weeks police have received reports that four collection boxes have been stolen from various shops in the Llandudno and Conwy areas.

The boxes have been taken from Yorkshire Bank, the Mostyn House Medical Centre and Hidden Hearing Ltd in Llandudno and Rowlands Chemist in Conwy.

Police have a description for the man who is suspected to be responsible for the theft from Hidden Hearing Ltd.

He is described as being white, between 5ft 8 and 5ft 9 inches tall and of thin build. He was wearing a black baseball cap, black jogging bottoms and had some teeth missing from the right side of his mouth.

Officers also have the following description for the man who is believed to be responsible for the theft from Rowland Chemist.

He is described as being white, approx 5 ft 7 inches tall with shoulder-length brown hair described as ‘greasy.’ He had a nose which looked as though it was broken and was wearing a grey sweatshirt or jacket with a hood.

Anybody who may have information regarding these thefts is asked to contact officers at Llandudno Police Station on 101, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line), 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively send a text message to 66767 or email – northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk

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Telephone scam warning

North Wales Police are urging householders to be vigilant when giving personal details over the telephone.

The warning comes after several reports have been received at the force’s control room in St Asaph that calls are being made by people purporting to be from the bank.

They say they are calling from a Fraud Department who work for several banks and are claiming that over 500 people in North Wales have been targeted over the last week whereby money has been taken from their bank accounts.

The callers are then asking for card details to be given so that subsequent checks and cancellations can be made.

On one particular occasion the caller claimed he was working on behalf of Lloyds TSB. He gave his contact as the main switchboard number for the bank. However, when the victim contacted the bank’s Fraud Department he was told they had no knowledge of any fraud of this scale having taken place.

Police are advising people who receive such calls not to disclose their personal or bank account details and if they have concerns they should contact their bank direct.

If anyone is aware of people carrying out this type of fraud they should report it to North Wales Police, on 101, if calling from Wales, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Hidden crimes in Denbighshire

Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire local domestic abuse forums have joined forces and will be holding a Hidden Crimes Conference at The Oriel Country Hotel, St Asaph, on Tuesday 17 November.

This one day event is supported by the Denbighshire Community Safety Partnership and will see delegates coming from England and across the principality of Wales.

The forums recognise that it is not only women and children who are affected by domestic abuse, but that it can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age ethnicity or religion.

The conference will bring together key people to share an understanding of a wide range of issues that are often at the edge of mainstream practice. The day will be informative and varied with both local and national keynote speakers and presentations - raising awareness of the hidden crimes emerging in our communities.

During the day there will be a range of thought-provoking presentations, including:

• DC Jason Morgan from the Metropolitan Police who is part of a unit which campaigns to protect children in London from the harmful traditional practice of female genital mutilation.
• Abigail Stepnitz the national coordinator for the Poppy Project which provides support and accommodation to women trafficked into the UK.
• The North Wales Women’s Centre which provides a wide range of services to women and has supported over 900 women to date.

There will also be presentations on issues faced for older victims and children and young people who are affected by domestic abuse.

Pupils at Rhyl High School have worked hard to produce a mural depicting their thoughts on the issue of domestic abuse in preparation for International White Ribbon Day on 25 November. Emrys AP Iwan A level drama students have produced a play on young people and sexual bullying and violence and they will be performing it on the day.

Michelle Davidson Beck Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator says “We have been overwhelmed with the response to attend this conference and hope that by raising awareness of these hidden crimes, agencies and professionals will work in partnership to tackle these issues to make our communities a safer place to live in”

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Robbery in Holyhead: Man in custody

A man is currently in police custody after being arrested following an incident in Holyhead last night (Thursday, 12th November).

Shortly after 8pm police received a report that a robbery had occurred at the Travel Lodge on Kingsland Road, whereby a man entered the premises brandishing a knife and stole a small amount of cash.

A short while later officers arrested a 36-year-old man in the Holyhead area on suspicion of robbery. He remains in police custody at this time.

Nobody was injured during the incident.

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Award for Ffestiniog youth crime panel

A team set up to tackle youth crime in Blaenau Ffestiniog has scooped a top award at a prestigious award ceremony.

The Blaenau Ffestiniog Youth Panel was selected as a winner at the 2009 North Wales Volunteer and Community Justice Awards.

The 2009 North Wales Volunteer and Community Justice Awards recognises teams and individuals across the Criminal Justice System who have gone the extra mile to deliver justice and the Blaenau Ffestiniog Youth Panel team won the top prize in the ‘Outstanding contribution to engage local communities and improving public confidence in the North Wales Criminal Justice System’ category. Almost 60 nominations were submitted and the winners were presented with their award at a prestigious ceremony at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on 3 November.

The Youth Panel was set up to tackle youth crime and anti social behaviour by responding to identified problems with youths in the community by working together with them and their parents.

Ed Beltrami, Chairman of the North Wales Criminal Justice Board said: "On behalf of the Board I would like to congratulate the team. We are incredibly proud of the Blaenau Ffestiniog Youth Panel. They all work extremely hard and are truly inspiring and a shining example of the dedication that exists amongst the staff and volunteers that work in the Criminal Justice System in North Wales."

The Attorney General, Baroness Scotland QC said: “Our commitment to deliver a more effective, transparent and responsive Criminal Justice System relies on the 400,000 staff and volunteers at the frontline. Local Justice Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the excellent work that is already taking place.”

Further information on the 2009 Justice Awards and the full list of winners and finalists can be found at www.justicenorthwales.co.uk.

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