Police support major youth event in Torquay over summer

Devon & Cornwall Police in Torquay are backing a popular evening event for under-18s this summer to ensure safety. Known as TVIS, it's held in Torquay town centre and is aimed at local young people, and those travelling, visitors, and international students.

This summer, Devon & Cornwall Police in Torquay are supporting a popular evening event for people under the age of 18 to ensure attendees stay safe while enjoying themselves.

The event, dubbed TVIS, is hosted at a venue located in Torquay town centre. It is aimed at local young people and those who are travelling, visiting or are international students (TVIS). The event can attract around 300 young people to the area.

Inspector Chris Lithgow, who heads up neighbourhood policing teams in Torquay said: “We’re pleased that we are able to support this well-loved event. The purpose of our officers being there is not to stop anyone having a good time or that we expect any trouble at the event, it’s mainly about being there to make sure young people stay safe in the evening.

“We want to break down barriers between young people and the police by showing them that our officers are approachable, friendly and that we’re there if they need any help or support. Attending events like these is essential in helping us form good relationships with some of the youngest in our communities.”

The TVIS evening disco event is hosted by the Foundry in Torquay and is planned to run every week in August. Police officers will be carrying out extra patrols on event dates to make sure eventgoers remain safe.

“We’ve listened to our communities and we know how important it is for the public to see us, not just at these events, but across the town centre when there is an increase of visitors to Torquay. So while our neighbourhood officers will be dropping by the event, they will also be conducting high visibility patrols on the same dates to provide a visible presence across the town and not just at the venue,” Insp Lithgow added.

Neighbourhood policing teams play a different role to the patrol teams who are responsible for responding to emergency 999 calls. Neighbourhood officers provide a vital link between communities, schools, partnership agencies and community groups. Their essential work aims to build relationships with the public, deter people from committing crime and to educate and prevent people from being victims of crime.

The neighbourhood team regularly post updates about the work they are doing to protect local communities and reduce crime within the area on their Facebook and Instagram page @TorquayPolice.

Alternatively, please sign up to Devon & Cornwall alert https://alerts.dc.police.uk/ to hear the latest information directly from Devon & Cornwall Police in your area.