North Wales,UK - North Wales could become more dangerous post-Brexit, fears region police chief

Published date: 25 November 2016 | 

Published by: Staff reporter
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FEARS are growing that North Wales could become more dangerous as a result of Brexit.

Ann Griffith, the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, says the vote to leave the European Union, has raised worrying questions about the implications for fighting crime and security.

Among her fears is the potential damage to the European Police Office, known as Europol, which contributes to more than 13,500 cross-border investigations.

Life could be made more difficult for other joint investigation teams from agencies like Eurojust which tackle crimes from terror to child abuse. Whether the UK will still be a part of the European Arrest Warrant agreement is also a worry.

Ms Griffith said: " Brexit wasn't sold to us with all of the information available, little was said about the implications for policing and security. Unfortunately, the vote to quit the European Union leaves us with more questions than answers.

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"The sharing of intelligence and co-operation between countries will remain vital in understanding the movement of criminals and domestic and international terrorism into the future.

“We're very aware in North Wales how cyber-crime is the biggest emerging crime problem that we have - it's across Europe and indeed across the world.

"The majority of crime doesn't happen on the streets anymore and our frontline is now online. Europol was established in 2009, and one of its main function is cyber-crime cooperation.

“If the cooperation with Europol an Eurojust is to continue, it will come at a price.”

Ms Griffiths was “particularly worried” about the possible loss of the European Arrest Warrants. Before the European Arrest Warrant, extradition arrangements could take up to 10 years but at the moment people are transferred within weeks.

She said: “There is a huge amount of legislation to be worked through as a result of the Brexit vote.”

http://www.rhyljournal.co.uk/news/169500/north-wales-could-become-more-dangerous-post-brexit-fears-region-police-chief.aspx