DEVON and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has received £1-million from the Home Office to crack down on antisocial behaviour (ASB) and serious violence in areas identified as hotspots from crime statistics.

Truro city centre and Newquay town centre will receive additional police patrols and uniformed community patrols, such as marshals and street wardens.

Funding for additional uniformed community patrols has also been agreed for Penzance, Camborne and St Austell.  

This will form part of a wider Street Focus initiative led by the office of the PCC, working with partners including local authorities to tackle issues in the community. 

ASB is a top concern for Devon and Cornwall residents, with surveys indicating that more are concerned with it than any other policing issue.  

Alison Hernandez, who has been returned as PCC for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for a third term, has supported Devon and Cornwall Police’s Operation Loki, a neighbourhood policing operation resulting in more than 150 arrests and 30,000 positive interactions with the community.  

“We have taken significant steps in addressing ASB and combating serious violence,” said Ms Hernandez. “I am pleased this funding will enable us to increase visible uniformed patrols in key areas.  

“By working in partnership with councils, we will deliver a reassuring presence in areas where the public feel most vulnerable. With targeted police and partner patrols, we’ll be where we’re needed most, helping to create safer communities.” 

An additional £200,000 from the Commissioner will bolster the fund, maximising the number of partner patrols across Devon and Cornwall.