ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour and youth nuisance in Conwy has plummeted.
Incidents in the ward of Conwy have halved from 206 in 2008 to 106 last year, according to figures from the town's community beat manager PC Chris Jones.
Working closely with the town's youth club PC Jones and the team at Conwy Police Station have engaged with young people over the past 12 months to tackle problems such a youth drinking and unruly behaviour.
PC Jones said: “I was over the moon with the figures. We have taken positive steps to reduce anti-social behaviour here. There was a problem in the past. We have worked with Conwy Youth Club by talking and getting to know the kids. The education has worked, by talking to them as people, not talking down to them.”
Figures from June to December this year show a 65 per cent reduction in nuisance behaviour compared to the same period in 2008.
Petra Crossman-Emms, area youth work practitioner, said: “It works well because of the way Chris comes to the youth club. He comes on a social visit and not as a policeman.
“They know him well and he has built up a lot of respect for them and vice versa. The young people have been involved in a litter pick, they do things for the local community and we hope to do more.
“They are a great bunch of young people with a lot of spirit. I like working with them.”
PC Jones said: "I think each town or village is individual and has its own problems, this is the approach I have taken, I’m not saying it could work everywhere.
“The 2008 figures speak for themselves, they are quite high. I cannot rest on my laurels. The youth club has taken a big role in this as well. It is also a team effort from all the officers in Conwy.
“As a result of fundraising for equipment for Conwy Youth Club, we have had donations to just over £1500, from Conwy Town Council, Conwy Rotary Club and PACT and much thanks is given to these organisations for their help and assistance.
“We also had a pool table donated by Conwy British Legion and many thanks to them also.”