Rhyl town centre's scheme started this week

Closing off parts of Rhyl town centre to try and stop thieves from operating in quiet backstreets began on Monday.

The fitting of 'alleygates' means no-one can get into some of the areas of the town, apart from residents with keys.

It is thought that the Rhyl gates are the first to be fitted in Wales.

The way forward in Rhyl is to follow the same path as Merseyside Inspector Roly Schwartz

"Severing this artery by putting up four gates will have an impact on the ability of criminals to move freely and without being seen," said Inspector Roly Schwartz.

"We chose the areas because it is one of the main arterial crime routes across Rhyl West."

Two areas with alleys linking John Street, River Street and Aquarium Street are being closed off as is the land between River Street and Butterton Road.

Crime reduction

The scheme, which first started in Merseyside, saw a 40-70% reduction in crime.

"The way forward in Rhyl is to follow the same path as Merseyside," said Insp Schwartz.

The �17,000 scheme has been organised by Insp Schwartz, the Rhyl Crime and Disorder Partnership, Denbighshire County Council and other agencies.

West Rhyl is one of 14 Policing Priority Areas (PPA) in the UK.

It was announced in October that one other Welsh community - at Penywaun in Aberdare - has also been designated a PPA.

The areas are earmarked for co-ordinated and targeted action by the police and other agencies which work together to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.