Bouncers helping cut Torbay crime

Illegal activity peaks at night

Switched-on licensees and door staff are helping to drive down late-night crime in Torquay trouble spots, according to a new report for Torbay Council.

But overall crime figures are back above pre-covid levels.

The council’s cabinet committee will meet next Tuesday to consider crime in the bay’s busiest night-time areas: Torquay town centre and the harbourside.

The report by the Devon and Cornwall police licensing department says crime in the two areas plummeted during lockdown, but has since climbed above pre-pandemic levels. Figures take in violent crime, sexual offences, robbery, weapons possession, public order and drunkenness.

But public order offences have fallen. The report says: “This is likely due to the result of less police officers in the area and more positive relationships with licensees and door supervisors, who are likely preventing incidents from developing into situations where the police need to intervene.”

It continues: “Devon and Cornwall Police are impressed by the level of multi-agency working which is taking place and growing within Torbay.

“There has been an undertaking from all interested parties in improving the evening and night-time economy of Torbay, adding to the vibrancy and safety of the area. These agencies include the local authority, licensees, security companies, Best Bar None and various departments within the police.”

Best Bar None is a home office-backed scheme which encourages well-run pubs, bars and clubs.

The report says 1,594 relevant crimes were committed in the town centre and harbourside areas between April 2017 and April 2022. More than 1,200 took place between 7pm and 7am.

Violent crime accounted for the most, followed by public order, drunkenness, sexual offences, robbery and weapon-related crimes.

Police say the data is ‘significantly skewed’ by covid-19 lockdowns and people reacting to ‘prolonged periods of confinement’ afterwards. 

The figures show a spike in crime between 3am and 4am when many venues close, and the report says more attention may need to be paid to those times.

And it concedes that the data only reflects the number of recorded crimes.

It goes on: “It is likely that there are a number of incident logs which have been attended by police, but no crime or complainant was forthcoming, such as fights/disorder which disperse before or as police arrive.”