Traders welcoming improved safety in Torquay town centre

Blog by Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez

Six weeks ago I announced my bold vision to breathe new life into Torquay town centre, working together with partners to tackle issues such as antisocial behaviour, drug and alcohol misuse, and violence which have blighted the lives of residents and traders for far too long.

Street Focus Torquay was launched with the collective aim of improving safety in the town. It called upon stakeholders to step up and play their part as we strive to make Torquay a place we can be proud to call home, and where residents and visitors can be free to enjoy their time on the English Riviera without feeling at risk or uncomfortable, or being faced with dirty streets and neglected spaces. 

I am keen for progress to continue at pace, and so I invited partners from Devon & Cornwall Police, Torbay Council and SWISCo to join my office in sharing their successes so far and laying out plans for future activity. 

It was encouraging to hear of the great work being carried out by the local policing team, with 420 individuals being engaged with through the Home Office-funded hotspot policing and antisocial behaviour patrols. 

You will hopefully have seen high-visibility officers on patrol who form the new Neighbourhood Support Team and are having a great impact on deterring crime and community confidence. Please make sure you say hello and let them know of any issues you’ve seen in the town. 

Increased intelligence around drugs has led to two warrants being executed leading to arrests, and safeguarding visits including to reports of cuckooing - where homes of vulnerable people are used by individuals involved in illegal drug activity. 

The new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which was introduced in May has so far seen one person arrested and fined, and 10 enforcement notices issued. 

And a new mobile police station, provided by my office, has begun deployment in Castle Circus on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays so I encourage anyone who wants to speak with police face to face to pop along for a friendly chat. 

A new antisocial behaviour lawyer for Devon & Cornwall Police will be stationed in Torquay Police Station to complete Community Impact Statements which are vital in helping illustrate the harm caused to communities and informing sentencing decisions. 

Torbay Council has also been enforcing the new PSPO, with 15 dispersal notices issued so far, and 135 directions to surrender alcohol. 

Of 18 Community Protections Warnings - which are written warnings around unacceptable behaviour - issued, only six have progressed to Community Protection Notices - an order to cease behaviour - which is an encouraging sign of antisocial behaviour being nipped in the bud before it can escalate to a more harmful level. 

The council’s antisocial behaviour officers have been working closely with the force’s neighbourhood support team delivering a joined-up approach to issues around street-attached homelessness and other issues. Home Office funding has also been allocated for two new town centre officers. 

It was interesting to hear from a worker at SWISCo, Torbay Council’s waste management service, about the challenges he sees on the streets around rough sleepers which I know reflect the experiences of many living and working in the town. 

The team have been very busy out and about jet-washing areas like Factory Row where we know there are persistent issues, as well as weeding to improve the look of the area. 

Finally, my team has also been working hard to come up with ideas and solutions, and listening to people invested in the town.  

Over the past weeks our engagement van has been parked outside the town hall and it’s been really helpful to hear the common themes which come up around antisocial behaviour and drinking and drug taking in the street. 

We have been working with CrimeStoppers who will be launching a targeted campaign in the town centre next month, and it’s worth remembering that’s a great way to report a crime if you prefer to remain anonymous. You can contact them at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or on 0800 555 111. 

My team has also been out this week with the neighbourhood policing team and Devon & Cornwall’s Cyber Resilience Protection Centre, speaking with traders about issues they’re facing and handing out information about the project and how to report to police and the local council. 

It was encouraging to hear from them that the high-visibility officers are having a noticeable effect on antisocial behaviour especially. 

We know residents can become disillusioned when it comes to reporting if they don’t feel they are seeing improvements, which is why I want to really encourage people to report what they’re seeing through the right channels, and to keep on reporting every single time. 

This week we have launched a new survey which allows people living, working or visiting the area to pinpoint areas on a map and share their experiences. I want to know where you are seeing problems, and where you are seeing improvements, so please do take five minutes to take part at https://bit.ly/streetfocus. 

You can also fill out the contact form to tell us about what you think should be done to tackle the problems in Torquay. 

I am committed to making lasting change for all those who want to feel proud of their town once again and begin to raise the fortunes of our beautiful Bay.