A POLICE watchdog blames popular television dramas such as The Bill for creating a false impression about crime rates in Wrexham and Flintshire.

She believes a lot of people have unfounded fears they are going to become victims of crime as a result of the murder and mayhem portrayed by officers in the fictional division of Sun Hill.

Rhian Rees Roberts, a policy officer with North Wales Police Authority, said North Wales is actually one of the safest places in the UK.

She added North Wales Police remains one of the best performing forces in England and Wales – and has the second highest detection rate in England and Wales.

The police authority says the annual Policing Plan has been designed to provide reassurance to the people of North Wales.

One of the main priorities is concentrating on tackling serious and violent crime.

Other priorities are ensuring the safety of children and young people, neighbourhood policing and dealing with alcohol-related crime.

Ms Rees Roberts said: “Every year the police authority, along with the force, has a statutory duty to draft the annual policing plan outlining the priorities for the police authority and the force for the coming year.

“Following consultation with members of the public, the priorities contained in the policing plan have been selected because they are the things of most importance to people living in the area.

“We hold community forums across North Wales and we asked people for their opinions and what they’d like to see as priorities for this year. Anti-social behaviour featured quite highly on the list of priorities, as did alcohol related crime as well as ensuring the safety of children and young people.

“We also commissioned a survey called Llais y Gogledd (The Voice of North Wales) and people were given the opportunity to say what their priorities were in relation to policing. One of the messages that came through loud and clear from the people of North Wales was that they want an emphasis on dealing with serious and violent crime.

“We are fortunate in North Wales in that we live in a beautiful and safe place compared to lots of other areas in the UK.”