WREXHAM city centre has seen a significant drop in crime based on this time last year, it has been revealed.

Inspector Rob Stevenson told the Leader that after reviewing the first three months of the crime recording year, which began in April, crime across the city centre district was 20 per cent lower than it was for the same period in 2022.

He explained: "That's hundreds of fewer victims that we are servicing due to the partnership approach we take to crime with the council and youth justice colleagues.

"We engage with people to keep them out of the justice system."

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Insp Stevenson said in addition to diversionary tactics for youths - designed to address their needs and keep them from being brought before the courts - his officers try to address the root cause of adults' offending behaviours too.

He explained: "Where there are people who have come to our attention for the first time, they might be in crisis.

"We will do our best to address their needs to keep them from reoffending in the long term.

"For example, people are suffering hard times at the moment, so they may be turning to shoplifting.

"As opposed to just charging them and taking them to court, we want to make sure they are fully supported so they don't have to engage in crime.

"But we also have to take into consideration the victim's needs.

"Depending on the level of criminality, it might not be appropriate."

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Speaking out to any residents who may be struggling and considering turning to crime to make ends meet, Insp Stevenson said: "The Salvation Army is very good in here in Wrexham - our officers do a lot of work with them and they are there to support people in need.

"We also have the food bank which is obviously under high demand, but is there to help.

"We would always rather people ask for help than turn to criminality because it can have so many consequences for them throughout their life."