ASB Awareness Week: Police and partners target antisocial behaviour in hotspots

Antisocial behaviour (ASB) is being tackled head-on across Devon and Cornwall thanks to initiatives like hotspot policing.

More than 4,900 hours of additional hotspot patrols have resulted in 140 arrests between May and October this year. In addition, 143 ASB powers were used by officers, such as enforcing Public Spaces Protection Orders and issuing Community Protection Notice Warnings.

Hotspot policing uses a data-driven approach to target areas with higher levels of ASB and serious violence. Focused foot patrols are being delivered in 13 areas to deter and disrupt crime.

Funding was provided to enable police to carry out these patrols in overtime to go above and beyond normal service delivery. Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez secured £1 million of Home Office funding for hotspot policing. A further £200,000 in match funding from the Commissioner has maximised the number of partner patrols.

The patrols represent a multi-agency approach to addressing ASB and improving community safety. Collaboration between local councils and the police has established street marshal patrols using the same proven methodology of hotspot policing. The street marshals work alongside the police to deliver joint patrols and share intelligence.

While out on patrol, officers and street marshals will engage with members of the public, carry out premises visits and proactively address ASB.

Residents and businesses have welcomed the increased patrols, with feedback suggesting they are reassured by the uniformed presence.

Chief Inspector Tim Evans, who heads up hotspot policing for Devon & Cornwall Police, said: “Hotspot policing is an effective way to address antisocial behaviour. The results we’ve seen so far demonstrate the value of this focused approach but the impact of police and street marshals spending time on foot where the public want to see them shouldn’t be overlooked either. The feedback I’m receiving from our partners is really positive about the difference these patrols are making locally.”

Hotspot policing is being delivered in: Barnstaple, Bideford, Camborne, Exeter, Exmouth, Newton Abbot, Newquay, Paignton, Penzance, Plymouth, Torquay, Truro and St Austell.

Torquay residents have been long affected by ASB. After receiving funding for hotspot policing, a new initiative, Street Focus: Torquay, was launched. This is a collective vision for a safer town centre where the community can thrive. Led by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the project is also supported by Devon & Cornwall Police, Torbay Council, SWISCo and Crimestoppers.

Street Focus: Torquay has recently funded a night bus service in Torbay over the festive season to get party-goers home safely. Covering Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, the bus runs every Saturday evening into the early hours. The service aims to reduce drink and drunk-related incidents, as well as ASB in the town centre.

Two new legal support roles were funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to take action against ASB. Based at Torquay Police Station and Exeter Civic Centre, the ASB legal advisor and paralegal are already making an impact by providing specialist support. They are on hand to help neighbourhood police officers, as well as the wider force. Their efforts are expediting interventions and ensuring support is in place with partner agencies for vulnerable individuals involved with ASB.

“ASB Awareness Week is a valuable opportunity to show our communities that if they report antisocial behaviour we take it seriously. ASB Case Reviews are a vital tool for residents who have reported ASB three or more times in a six month period. Raising awareness of this process is key to ensure these problems can be dealt with,” said Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez. “Reducing ASB continues to be a priority for me. I am committed to supporting initiatives like hotspot policing and Street Focus: Torquay which demonstrate the power of partnership working. These projects will be used as a blueprint for other areas across the peninsula so we can continue building safer communities.” 

It is important to report ASB. If it is happening right now, report it to Devon & Cornwall Police by calling 999 in the case of an emergency. You can also contact 101, use the online reporting form, or report it anonymously through Crimestoppers. If you have been impacted by persistent antisocial behaviour and have already reported these events to the relevant local agencies, you may be eligible for an ASB Case Review. Contact your local authority or Devon & Cornwall Police to apply for an ASB Case Review.