FOUR arrests were made in Truro during the first month of a hotspot policing project designed to tackle antisocial behaviour (ASB) and serious violence.

The city is one of 13 locations across Devon and Cornwall to form part of the wider Street Focus project run by the office of Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, paid for by £1-million of Home Office funding.

All have been identified as hotspots using crime data, and given additional police and uniformed community patrols which aim to provide a reassuring visible presence while proactively disrupting and deterring crime.

Police officers and public community support officers delivered 136 additional hours in Truro in May, engaging with 564 individuals while out on patrol. They also attended 25 incidents of ASB and had 14 cases of proactive policing, including four arrests and three pieces of property seized.   

Inspector Colin Wheeler, who heads up the neighbourhood policing team, said hotspot policing would continue over the next year.

He said: “This approach is backed by proven methodology and aligns with the wider partnership work and problem-solving efforts of our neighbourhood team.” 

Commissioner Hernandez said: “High visibility policing is what our communities want and we know it works. I am pleased to see the positive impact these patrols are already making.

“The commitment from our partners with the addition of street wardens and marshals will further strengthen our united front against ASB and serious violence.” 

Uniformed community patrols will commence in partnership with Cornwall Council in the coming weeks. Find out more at street-focus.co.uk