Anti-social behaviour targeted in police intiative

Money was secured from the Home Office

More than 2,000 hours of extra police patrols across Devon and Cornwall have resulted in 62 arrests during the first quarter of this year.

It's part of a scheme aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and serious violence and is backed by £1 million of Home Office funding.

Police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez secured the money to deliver additional police and street marshal patrols. Crime data was also used to identify hotspots in 13 town and cities across the region.

Foot patrols were boosted across Barnstaple, Exeter, Plymouth and Torquay. Exmouth, Newton Abbot and Paignton will see an uplift in patrols during teh summer.

Chief Inspector Tim Evans, who heads up the project, said: “Hotspot policing is a proven methodology and the results across Devon and Cornwall so far confirm that high visibility patrols are effective. Officers are not only deterring and disrupting crime while out on patrol but actively engaging with the public. We have received fantastic feedback so far with residents happy to see more police on the streets.”

Alison Hernandez, Devon and Cornwall's police and crime commissioner, said “I am pleased to see that the targeted approach of hotspot policing is having a real impact on ASB and serious violence already. While it’s clear these patrols are disrupting crime, it’s important not to overlook the wider impact of officers spending time on foot where the public want to see them.

“The addition of street marshals will only strengthen the work already underway to make our communities safer. I am confident they will provide valuable reassurance and assistance to individuals and businesses alike.”