[TheyCallMeMrHibbs]

I’m afraid independent crime stats expert Dan Lewis from ukcrimestats.com specifically mentioned Wrexham in relation to violent crime only a few months ago, at my citizen engagement event in Llandudno on 24th March.

So, regrettably, it’s probably not as unfair as it feels.

What puzzles me is why we have a youth curfew on 13-17 year-olds in Bangor at present when we don’t have one for 18-24 year-olds in Wrexham city centre at least on certain days of the week?!

I’d be interested in debating this further with all ‘Wrexhamites’ – my office is on the Technology Park so I don’t get to spend as much time in the city centre as you guys probably do. (NB I’m in town tomorrow if anyone wants to pop in for a chat.)

Actually I don’t think I believe that a 6-month curfew, however effective, can possibly be proportionate in a relatively low-risk area like North Wales. Except in emergencies or other truly exceptional circumstances. They’re really a form of punishment that affects all of us, without addressing the behaviours of a relatively small group of anti-social individuals. These just get displaced to the nearest neighbouring area outside the curfew zone, or remain indoors potentially resulting in more alcohol-fuelled domestic violence.

What worries me most is the suggestion this week from political parties about targetting 100 crime hotspots in North Wales. We’ll have 100 curfews before you know it if they get elected as Police Commissioners, with no police resources left for targetting real criminals.

Richard Hibbs
Independent Candidate for Police & Crime Commissioner in North Wales
c/o Integral Business Support Ltd, Wrexham Technology Park
http://www.regonline.co.uk/e-plan

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