Earlier this year I secured £1 million in funding from the Home Office to crack down on antisocial behaviour (ASB) and serious violence. The funding is being used to deliver additional police and street marshal patrols in areas identified as hotspots across Devon and Cornwall.  

I am pleased that in its first quarter hotspot policing is already making a difference with more than 2,000 extra hours of police foot patrols delivered across Barnstaple, Exeter, Newquay, Plymouth, Torquay and Truro.  

The increased presence of police officers works as a preventative measure to deter crime. However, I can also see that this targeted approach places police in the right place at the right time. This has resulted in a number of cases of proactive policing, including: 

132 individual intelligence submissions. 

62 arrests made. 

70 stop searches leading to nine offensive weapons seized, more than 30 drug seizures, more than 35 instances of stolen goods being recovered and more than 30 seizures of alcohol. 

31 Public Protection Notices (PPNs) or safeguarding referrals made. 

37 Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) issued. 

I know that ASB is a top concern for people across the peninsula. More than half of respondents to my Your Safety, Your Say survey select ASB as the issue that most troubles them, and an area where they would like to see extra investment. High visibility policing is what our communities want and these results show that it works. 

It’s important not to overlook the wider impact of officers spending time on foot in our communities. Since the patrols launched in May, officers have engaged with more than 8,000 members of the public, visited 265 premises in hotspot areas, held 12 ‘coffee with cops’ sessions and nine public engagement events.  

The patrols also facilitate engagement with the street-attached community, signposting them to essential support services. It’s excellent to hear that the feedback from the patrols has been very positive with both residents and businesses pleased to see more police on the streets. 

Summer brings an influx of visitors who want to enjoy everything Devon and Cornwall has to offer. This increases the demand on police resources so it’s encouraging to see that there will be an uplift in patrols in key areas. Newquay, Exmouth, Newton Abbot, Penzance and Paignton now have funding available for daily patrols, providing reassurance to both residents and tourists alike.   

The police are working with street marshals in 13 towns and cities across the peninsula. I have matched the funding for these marshals to maximise the number of patrols because I recognise the value they bring. I previously funded Covid marshals and their uniformed presence helped to de-escalate situations and give advice to members of the public. 

Street marshal patrols are now active in Barnstaple, Bideford, Exeter, Exmouth, Newton Abbot, Newquay, Penzance, Plymouth, Truro and St Austell.  

Partnership work is vital to ensure long-term change and these patrols represent a multi-agency approach to community safety. It’s been fantastic to have the support of the local authorities in setting up these patrols and to see that the street marshals will be working alongside the police, sharing insights and delivering joint patrols.  

I will be continuing to ensure that ASB is tackled in our communities. It is underreported so if you witness ASB please report it. If it’s happening right now, report it to Devon & Cornwall Police by calling 999 in the case of an emergency. You can also contact 101, use the online reporting form, or report it anonymously through Crimestoppers. 

I am also working on a wider Street Focus project that hotspot policing forms part of. This involves working with partners to solve issues in the community. You can find out more at street-focus.co.uk