A hotspot policing initiative making a difference to communities across Devon and Cornwall has just launched in Camborne.

Street marshals are conducting targeted foot patrols in identified hotspot areas to address antisocial behaviour (ASB) and serious violence and are already a valuable resource in Camborne.

Infinitus, a Cornish security company, provided Covid marshals in 2020, offering support and information. This year, their role expanded as they began patrolling Camborne’s town centre as part of the Safer Streets 5 programme, while awaiting the appointment of a new ASB enforcement officer for Camborne and Redruth.

The presence of street marshals has been warmly welcomed by the community. Both residents and local businesses have expressed their appreciation, noting that the visible patrols have made the town feel safer.

The funding from hotspot policing allows a continuation of patrols in the town centre, focusing on areas where they are needed most. Street marshals will be actively engaging with the community, as well as deterring and disrupting crime.

Cllr Carol Mould, cabinet member for neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: “Hot on the heels of its success in Newquay, Penzance, St Austell and Truro, it’s great to see hotspot policing expanded to Camborne.

“Street marshals play a vital role when it comes to tackling anti-social behaviour and violence on our streets and their visible presence acts as welcome reassurance to residents and businesses.

“One of the council’s four key priorities is to create and maintain vibrant, safe and supportive communities and initiatives like this are crucial to achieve this goal.”

Hotspot policing represents a multi-agency approach to improving community safety with Camborne Town Council, Cornwall Council, the local neighbourhood policing team, street marshals, Business Improvement District (BID) and Safer Cornwall all working together. Representatives from each of the partner agencies came together for an operational briefing in Camborne to learn more about the proven methodology of hotspot policing.

Joint working between the police and street marshals will allow for better intelligence sharing, enabling a more effective response to issues. Devon & Cornwall Police crime data was used to identify the hotspot locations and create patrol plans which have been shared with partners.

Hotspot policing has already made a significant impact in other areas across Cornwall. Additional patrols are active in Newquay, Penzance, St Austell and Truro with both residents and businesses welcoming an increased uniformed presence.

In August alone, police and street marshals generated more than 150 intelligence submissions and engaged with over 4,600 members of the public. The police attended 38 ASB incidents, made 13 safeguarding referrals, seized 14 pieces of property (drugs, alcohol and stolen goods), and made 11 arrests.

Camborne will also benefit from a new Tri-Service Safety Officer, a role partly funded by hotspot policing. The officer will be working alongside the three emergency services and support the delivery of hotspot patrols in the town centre.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez secured £1 million in Home Office funding for hotspot policing, which forms part of a wider Street Focus project. Commissioner Hernandez said: “I have seen first-hand the dedicated partnership work happening in Camborne, where local teams are working hard to address important issues. I am pleased that this initiative will bring additional resources to the area. These focused patrols will enhance community safety and contribute to a more vibrant and welcoming environment for all.”

Camborne is one of 13 towns and cities to benefit from this initiative. A further £200,000 in match funding from the Commissioner has maximised the number of partner patrols across Devon and Cornwall.