The policing operation for the National Armed Forces Day event in Llandudno has been hailed a huge success with approximately 100,000 people enjoying a crime-free weekend.

The event was one of the largest policing operations that North Wales Police has ever undertaken with over 550 Police Officers, Police Community Support Officers PCSO’s and staff from various departments across the force.

Planning for the police operation began in October 2017 with various regular meetings being held with key partner agencies. The operation was wide-ranging and involved the deployment of many specialist North Wales Police officers including search teams, firearms and roads policing.

Supt Jane Banham, Silver Commander for the event, said: “We are pleased and extremely proud that together with our partners, we have delivered a safe and happy event for all.

“Although no arrests were made, the crowds would have seen a significantly higher number of police officers on duty – including overtly armed police officers providing reassurance. Local policing teams were also on foot patrol in and around the town leading up to and during the event, and during the day a multi-agency control room was set up at Police Headquarters in Colwyn Bay.

“Months of hard work has gone into planning this event and it has been a great honour for us to police the National Armed Forces Day and we hope everybody had an enjoyable day.”

Deputy Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard, Gold Commander for the event, said: “I would like to extend my thanks to all our officers and staff who helped make this a safe and enjoyable weekend. Many had their rest days cancelled and for that we are grateful.

“Our officers and staff worked tirelessly in extremely warm weather to ensure it was a day of celebration for all whilst continuing to maintain a policing service across the North Wales area.

“I would also like to thank members of the public for their cooperation and understanding. They made up a brilliant crowd and created a fantastic atmosphere in Llandudno.

“I would also like to thank the many partner agencies who have worked alongside ourselves over the last few months including Military colleagues, British Transport Police, Conwy County Borough Council, The Welsh Ambulance Service, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Traffic Wales, Arriva and many more.”

The whole operation involved officers and staff from across the force area including the local policing teams, armed officers, Roads Policing Unit, the Resources Team who facilitated staff duties and shifts, Control Room staff, Search Teams, the Joint Underwater Search Team, Operational Planning Team, the Dog Section, CBRN officers, Police Support Unit, Custody, CID officers, Force Intelligence Team, Special Branch and the Corporate Communications Team.