Inspector Rhodri Ifans has embarked on a new chapter in his distinguished 23-year career with North Wales Police, returning to the Wrexham district to lead its policing efforts. His extensive background, spanning numerous departments and a commitment to community-focused initiatives, positions him as a pivotal figure in enhancing local safety.
Throughout his career, Inspector Ifans has demonstrated a deep understanding of varied policing landscapes. His service included key roles within the priority crime team across the force’s eastern area and significant time within eastern CID, where he rose through the ranks as a Constable and Detective Sergeant, notably contributing to the burglary unit, and also serving as Acting Detective Inspector.
His return to Wrexham city in early 2025 marks a significant moment for local law enforcement, following a six-month tenure in his new post. This transition came after the promotion of the previous Wrexham city Inspector, Heidi Stokes, to Chief Inspector, paving the way for Ifans’ leadership in Wrexham Policing.
In a recent meeting, Inspector Ifans articulated a clear vision for the Wrexham city police team, emphasizing a proactive approach to Crime Prevention. He firmly believes a large part of the preventative work involves education and diversion, aiming to determine and address the root causes of behavior before it escalates into criminal activity, rather than merely issuing punishment.
Furthering his commitment to Community Safety, Inspector Ifans has initiated crucial partnership meetings. These collaborations involve Wrexham Council, Safer Streets, and various youth provisions within Wrexham, all geared towards securing vital funding and developing engaging activities to keep young people positively involved in the community.
Addressing the critical aspect of Urban Law Enforcement, the Inspector detailed strategic operational enhancements, particularly focusing on weekend activity. He plans to significantly increase the city centre footfall of high-visibility officers, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, ensuring a stronger police presence where it is most needed.
A key initiative supporting this heightened presence is Operation Lex, specifically designed for the night-time economy, where officers from both Wrexham city and rural teams will collaboratively police the city centre. This targeted effort underscores a dedication to maintaining order and safety during peak hours.
Inspector Ifans passionately urged the public to engage actively with the North Wales Police. He stressed the importance of reporting incidents through any preferred method, whether it be via the 101 non-emergency number, web chat, at a police station, or by directly approaching a police officer, reinforcing the accessibility of law enforcement.
Lastly, underscoring Wrexham’s rich diversity, Inspector Ifans highlighted a new process implemented within the city centre for investigating all reports of hate crime. This initiative reflects the force’s unwavering commitment to protecting all members of the community and ensuring a safe, inclusive environment for everyone.
