The additional High-visibility patrols have been launched in five locations across the county.
Street marshal patrols have launched in key locations across Cornwall as part of a hotspot policing initiative to tackle antisocial behaviour and serious violence.
The teams are patrolling areas identified as hotspots, providing a visible presence to deter unwanted activity as well as provide reassurance to both residents and businesses.
Briefing events were held in the towns so stakeholders could learn more about the proven methodology of hotspot policing. The patrols represent a multi-agency approach to improving community safety with the local neighbourhood policing team, Business Improvement District (BID), local council, 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 those five key areas of Camborne, 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.”
In Camborne Street marshals are already a valuable resource in the town. Infinitus, a Cornish security company, provided Covid marshals in 2020, offering support and information. This year, their role expanded as they began patrolling Camborne’s town centre as part of the Safer Streets 5 programme, while awaiting the appointment of a new ASB Enforcement Officer for Camborne and Redruth.
The presence of street marshals has been warmly welcomed by the community. Both residents and local businesses have expressed their appreciation, noting that the visible patrols have made the town feel safer.
The funding from hotspot policing allows a continuation of patrols in the town centre, focusing on areas where they are needed most. Street marshals will be actively engaging with the community, as well as deterring and disrupting crime.
Street marshals were also already patrolling 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 in July. They have working with the neighbourhood policing team who 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 ASB 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 antisocial 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, 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 underway 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. Feedback from the community has been very positive with members of the public and businesses reassured by the increased uniformed presence.
£1 million in Home Office funding was secured by Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez for hotspot policing, which forms part of a wider street focus project. The funding is shared across multiple locations in 13 towns and cities, including Camborne, St Austell, Penzance, Truro and Newquay. A further £200,000 in funding from the Commissioner will help to maximise the number of partner patrols.
