Chief constable Richard Brunstrom is well known for keeping fit

North Wales Police's Richard Brunstrom staged the "break-in" because he was concerned there was a security risk.

The building at Colwyn Bay, Conwy, is undergoing a �3.4m refurbishment.

The chairman of his police authority said security had increased as a result - but he would not advise anyone else to repeat Mr Brunstrom's actions.

It is not known whether Mr Brunstrom was wearing any safety equipment as he climbed the scaffolding.

It also remains unclear how many of the building's four storeys he scaled.

We are pleased that security at police headquarters has been revised and improved as a result of the chief constable's actions but... would not advise anybody else to do the same thing Ian Roberts, North Wales Police Authority

The building is undergoing its first major refurbishment since it was built in 1972.

As part of the development, all windows in the main block will be double-glazed, the roof will be recovered and a new heating system installed.

It is far from the first time Mr Brunstrom has been in the headlines.

Taser stun gun

He is outspoken against speeding motorists, wants drugs to be legalised, and has allowed himself to be "shot" with a Taser stun gun as the force expanded the use of the weapons to rural areas.

Last week, Mr Brunstrom entered the row over police pay by using his blog on the force website to describe ministers' behaviour as a "kick in the teeth".

A force spokeswoman said: "North Wales Police headquarters is currently being refurbished and as a result, there is scaffolding attached to the building.

"We can confirm that the chief constable tested the security himself."

Ian Roberts, chair of the North Wales Police Authority, said: "We are pleased that security at police headquarters has been revised and improved as a result of the chief constable's actions but we are mindful of health and safety considerations and would not advise anybody else to do the same thing."