New team tackles re-offending in Conwy and Denbighshire

A project aimed at tackling the issues behind crime by repeat offenders has been launched in Conwy and Denbighshire.

The pilot scheme - '8Ways: Change your Life' - works with offenders who persistently cause damage and nuisance to the community.

A Colwyn Bay-based team involving police, probation and drug and alcohol workers addresses underlying problems.

These range from debt to family and mental health issues.

The name "8Ways" comes from the eight areas where offenders may need help.

Unit leader Sgt Jonny Hill from North Wales Police said: "A team of six police officers will be working alongside staff from probation, mental health and drug and alcohol workers to look at the underlying causes affecting offenders' behaviour and work with them to help address their issues."

He added: "Nationally, it is recognised that 60% of offenders who get less than 12 months as a prison sentence will re-offend within a year and will be back in prison within two years."

Sgt Hill said the aim was to work together to reduce re-offending, cut crime and get to the root of their offending.

Peter Thomas Greenhill, assistant chief probation officer stated: "Wales Probation Trust considers '8ways' is an important opportunity for joint working to enhance the services already provided in the community."

He said there was evidence the approach had been effective in other areas in Wales.