STREET marshal patrols have been launched or upgraded at key locations across Cornwall as part of a hotspot policing initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour and violence.

The teams are patrolling areas identified as trouble spots, providing a visible presence to deter unwanted activity as well as giving reassurance to residents and businesses.

The patrols represent a multi-agency approach to improving community safety with the local neighbourhood policing teams, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), local councils, street marshals and Safer Cornwall all working together.

Cllr Carol Mould, cabinet member for neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: “Our street marshals play an important role when it comes to tackling anti-social behaviour and violence on our streets so it’s great news that we’ve been able to expand the service to offer hotspot patrols in St Austell, Penzance, Newquay and Truro.

“One of the council’s four key priorities is to create and maintain vibrant, safe and supportive communities and cross-partnership working like this is vital to achieve this goal.”

A spokesperson for the scheme said: “Street marshals are already a valuable resource in St Austell. The funding from this initiative allows an extension of their existing service to ensure greater visibility in the town centre.

“In Penzance, street marshal patrols started last month. They will be working with the neighbourhood policing team who have received funding for additional police patrols over the summer months. Together, they will keep the town safe for residents and tourists alike.

“Hotspot policing has already made an impact in Truro. The city has received funding for both additional police and street marshal patrols as part of this initiative. Since starting in May, over 300 hours of police patrols have led to attendance at over 90 anti-social behaviour incidents and 17 arrests.

“The patrols also enable impactful community engagement which will be further supported by the Truro Rangers. The Truro Rangers have already been working successfully alongside Truro’s businesses and Truro’s anti-social behaviour officer. The funding will allow them to deliver additional patrols in the city centre.

“Collaboration between the Newquay Rangers and police will make a real difference in the town centre.”

Sergeant Ian Weager, Newquay Police neighbourhood team leader, said: “The street marshals are going to work closely with my neighbourhood team. They’ll be going out on patrols together. The street marshals will be sharing information with us, they’ll be there gathering intelligence, liaising with the local businesses and we’ll be working as one team so we can provide reassurance to the local community.”

Police patrols are already under way in Newquay as part of this initiative and extra overtime is now available over the summer months to meet the increased demand. The Newquay Rangers will also be extending their service thanks to the funding.