FOLLOWING a successful summer of hotspot policing, Penzance will see continued police patrols aimed at enhancing community safety and reducing crime.

Hotspot policing is a data-driven method of patrolling to reduce antisocial behaviour (ASB) and serious violence in targeted areas. Selected locations across Devon and Cornwall, including Penzance, received Home Office funding based on crime data analysis.

Initially, Penzance’s funding covered street marshal patrols but due to high demand over the busy summer season, this was expanded to include daily police foot patrols. The positive impact of this uplift has enabled further funding to extend police hotspot patrols through March 2025.

Between July and September, a total of 344 additional hours of police foot patrols were conducted in Penzance. These patrols were carried out in areas identified as hotspots to deter and disrupt crime. This targeted approach has placed officers in the right place at the right time, enabling proactive policing.

This has resulted in:

The patrols are part of a multi-agency commitment to improving community safety. Cornwall Council commissioned street marshals who are using the same effective hotspot policing approach. Working alongside police, the street marshals share intelligence and conduct joint patrols.

Olly Bayliss, community safety officer for West Cornwall and chair of Safer Penzance, said: “Extended hotspot patrols have proven to be a crucial resource for Penzance, delivering visible reassurance to residents and supporting our collective efforts to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

“The collaborative work between local officers, street marshals, and partner agencies such as the dedicated anti-social behaviour caseworker has strengthened community safety and trust. With continued support, we’re able to address the concerns raised by our community and in turn keep Penzance a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.”

Residents and businesses have welcomed the additional patrols, reporting an improved feeling of safety in the town centre. Hotspot policing encourages engagement with locals not only to deter crime but also to provide reassurance. Over the summer, officers and marshals engaged with more than 2,500 members of the public and conducted over 1,000 visits to local premises.

Penzance sector inspector Dee Evans said: “Hotspot policing has been really effective here in Penzance so I’m pleased we can continue these extra patrols. The response from the community has been fantastic – residents are pleased to see us out and about, plus businesses have reported feeling a difference with the patrols in place. My team are working closely with the street marshals so that we can continue to tackle crime and ASB.”