Extra Neighbourhood Patrols Continue to Tackle Anti Social Behaviour Across Devon and Cornwall

Hotspot policing aimed at tackling anti social behaviour across Devon and Cornwall is continuing into 2025, following what police describe as a strong first year.

The approach focuses on targeted neighbourhood police officers and street marshal patrols in areas with the highest levels of reported crime and anti social behaviour. It was launched in 2024 and supported by £2 million in Home Office funding, alongside an additional £500,000 secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to fund street marshal patrols.

So far, the funding has delivered 45,214 hours of additional patrols across towns and cities in Devon and Cornwall.

Targeted patrols shaped by public reports

Information shared by the public about issues affecting their communities has played a key role in shaping where patrols are deployed.

Chief Inspector Dominic Nicholls from Devon & Cornwall Police said reports of anti social behaviour often involve more than just the police.

He said:
“Reports of ASB go not just to the police but also to local authorities, housing associations and other organisations, so a joined-up response is vital.”

“Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams are the key to delivering our response. We use the Hotspot Policing model which gathers intelligence and allows us to target our resources where they can have the maximum effect. Beat patrols, supported by dedicated Neighbourhood Support teams, helps us maintain a visible presence in the community and address the underlying causes of crime, such as social disorder and public nuisances, and prevent future incidents.”

More than enforcement

During 2025, officers have used a wide range of approaches to bring ongoing anti social behaviour to an end and prevent further problems.

Not all responses involve criminal proceedings. Measures have included closure orders on problematic residential properties, Public Space Protection Orders and educational work.

In Cornwall, police have delivered sessions on anti social behaviour to more than 500 primary school pupils. Elsewhere, officers have worked alongside local communities, including fundraising efforts by Okehampton Police to help rejuvenate a local skatepark and the use of proceeds of crime funding to support Tavistock Youth Cafe with more activities and support for young people.

Funding and partnership working

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, full name Alison Hernandez, said tackling anti social behaviour remains a priority.

She said:
“I have made it a priority to tackle this major cause of distress and criminality and backed it up with £300,000 funding for street marshals in 2025.

“When my office carries-out surveys asking people which issue they would most like the police to tackle they mention ‘anti-social behaviour’ more often than any other crime-type.

“As well as the immediate harassment, alarm or distress it causes to people it can also be associated with criminal causes such as drug dealing. The problem can’t be tackled alone by the police, councils have a huge part to play with their own civil powers, and that’s why my office has initiatives such as Street Focus which encourages vital partnership working between agencies.”

Where hotspot policing is focused

Based on reports received by police and partner organisations, hotspot policing is currently concentrated in:

• Barnstaple

• Bideford

• Bodmin

• Camborne

• Exeter

• Exmouth

• Newton Abbot

• Newquay

• Paignton

• Penzance

• Plymouth

• St Austell

• Tiverton

• Torquay

• Truro

Neighbourhood policing teams across Devon and Cornwall also carry out their own local responses to issues reported in their areas.

How to report ASB

Members of the public can find out more about anti social behaviour and how to report it on the Devon & Cornwall Police website at dc.police.uk/ASB.

People can also follow their local policing teams on social media for updates, or sign up to Devon and Cornwall Community Messaging to receive information directly.