Police Crack Down on Anti-Social Behaviour Across Cornwall and Devon

Devon & Cornwall Police say they are using a wide range of approaches to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB), which can cause harassment, alarm or distress and is often linked to criminal activity such as drug dealing.

Closure Orders and Community Action

In recent months, police have worked alongside local housing providers to apply Closure Orders in Devonport, Bude, Liskeard and Wadebridge. These were used to break the cycle of persistent ASB connected with drug activity in residential properties.

A similar order was enforced in Camborne to put an end to disruption and violence linked to a bar.

In Okehampton and Tavistock, Public Space Protection Orders have given police and authorised officers the power to disperse individuals causing disorder and to remove alcohol from people drinking in the streets before problems escalate.

Police in Okehampton also teamed up with the community to raise funds for a local skatepark. The project, which included support from Men In Sheds and Proceeds Of Crime Act funding provided by Devon & Cornwall Police, aimed to create a space for people of all ages while reducing ASB.

Work in Cornwall Schools

In Helston, officers delivered sessions on ASB to more than 500 primary school students across 20 schools, including those in rural areas. The lessons were designed to encourage children to make safe decisions.

Tackling ASB in Rural Areas

On Dartmoor, police joined forces with Dartmoor Rangers after public concerns about ASB on the moor. Officers responded to issues including littering, fly-tipping, livestock worrying, irresponsible use of disposable barbecues and open fires, and speeding.

A Joined-Up Approach

Superintendent Emma Butler-Jones, Force Lead for Neighbourhood Policing and ASB, said:
“Because reports of ASB go not just to the police but also to local authorities, housing associations and other organisations, 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. Alongside beat patrols, supported by dedicated Neighbourhood Support teams, this 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.”

She added: “We encourage the public to have the confidence to report incidents to us. If the police are not the agency that deals with a particular issue, we can advise who best to contact. Every report that we receive is important as it could help us to disrupt criminal activity or inform the deployment of our resources through Hotspot Policing to improve the quality of life for residents. Thanks to the reports we receive, and through collaboration and targeted policing, we are committed to keeping our communities safe.”

Hotspot Policing and Extra Patrols

Hotspot policing focuses on tackling ASB and serious violence with targeted patrols in the areas with the highest levels of crime. Since May 2024, it has delivered more than 26,000 hours of additional foot patrols in towns and cities across Devon and Cornwall.

The project was funded by £1 million from the Home Office secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, with a further £1 million recently granted to continue the work this year.

Find out more about ASB and how to report it on the Devon & Cornwall Police website.