Summer policing operation starts and brings extra patrols

Devon & Cornwall Police’s summer policing operation starts at the weekend and brings extra patrols to villages, towns, resorts, beaches and open spaces in Cornwall.

Police will undertake extra foot, bike and e-bike patrols to protect the UK’s most popular tourism destination’s community and visitors during the summer period.

An additional 800 hours’ worth of policing patrols for Cornwall have been funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).

This means policing teams can work visibly to reassure the public, deal with an increased volume of incidents, address violence against women and girls and deal with antisocial behaviour, at a time when its population increases significantly.

Cornwall attracts 4.8 million staying visitors and 14-million-day visitors according to Visit Cornwall and the county has the longest coastline in the country. According to the Office for National Statistics, Cornwall has one of the lowest recorded crime rates in the country.

Patrols will encompass beaches and coastal areas in Cornwall as well as open spaces and parks of inland areas such as Camborne and Redruth.

Chief Superintendent, Commander of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Police, Ben Deer said: “Thanks to the essential funding from the OPCC, extra police patrols start across Cornwall from the weekend and mean we are able to respond to the expected challenges of an increased population enjoying time in the county over summer.”

“Tourism is an important part of Cornwall's economy, and we very much welcome visitors to the county who respect our community and places.  We encourage the public to enjoy the environment, sea, and scenery safely and respectfully whilst they spend time here.

“Like our partners, businesses and communities we are prepared for a busy summer and will work hard to deliver a quality service.”

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “Our uniquely beautiful surroundings are a huge draw to holidaymakers and day-trippers, bringing an influx of millions of visitors to our two counties during the summer months.

“While this is great news for our businesses and a welcome boost to our economy, it also means particular challenges for a police force which receives no extra money from central government to cope with what equates to a 6.8% increase in population, and many more call-outs to deal with as a result.

“These are not only crime-related incidents but also searches for missing people, mental health incidents and road traffic collisions, all of which take up valuable police time and resources.

“It is wrong that I have to use local council tax payers’ money to help Devon and Cornwall Police cope with the added pressure of summer and keep communities and visitors alike safe to enjoy this wonderful part of the world.

“As a result I will continue to make the case that Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are worthy of additional central Government investment so we can maintain the force area as one of the safest in England and Wales.”

All of Cornwall’s nine policing sectors will benefit from the additional OPCC funding and resulting extra patrols during the summer: Launceston, Liskeard, St Austell, Newquay, Bodmin & Wadebridge, Truro, Camborne & Redruth, Falmouth & Helston, Penzance & St Ives (including Isles of Scilly).

The public can report non-urgent issues via the force website, www.dc.police.uk by selecting one of the blue boxes. Alternatively visit your local policing Facebook page for information about what is happening in your area. In an emergency please call 999.