THE Chief Constable of North Wales Police has been congratulated after her first 12 months in the post.

Having said goodbye to Gwent Police as Deputy Chief Constable in October, CC Blakeman joined North Wales Police as the Chief Constable on October 31 last year – the first female to serve the people of North Wales in this role.

Over the past year, she has visited all areas of the force, meeting many of the officers across all departments, as well as key community figures and partner agencies.

Other highlights have included the launch of the ‘We Don’t Buy Crime’ – a crime prevention initiative being delivered to residents and business in both rural and urban areas to minimise crime and catch and convict offenders who commit burglary, robbery, theft and vehicle crime.

During her time as Chief Constable, North Wales has seen an 11.3 per cent reduction in total recorded crime – the biggest reduction in England and Wales and compares to a national increase of 2.2 per cent. 

The region also has the biggest reduction in violence against the person offences in the UK, and has the 10th lowest rate of residential burglary nationally, with a much better than average reduction year on year.

She was also last week awarded the King’s Policing Medal for Distinguished Service at Buckingham Palace.

Reflecting on her first year, CC Blakeman said: “It’s been a fabulous first year here in North Wales.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting out and meeting the many staff and departments that we’ve got across North Wales, and it’s given me a real opportunity to see how connected our staff are to our local communities and how much they care – and how much they want things to be better in our communities.

“I have been so proud to lead an organisation of dedicated professionals who put so much time and effort into making sure we get those people who are doing the wrong things before the courts, and that we protect our communities from those that seek to cause fear.

“The next 12 months for me are going to be focussed in our local communities, and of course, continuing my journey in learning Welsh – dwi’n edrych ymlaen.”