You said, we did: Improving Torquay together

Blog by Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez

Listening to the people of Torquay is the backbone of our Street Focus project and I’m committed to ensuring that your feedback leads to real action. You’ve told us what matters most at engagement events, through surveys and in conversations. I’ve taken that feedback on board and worked with our partners to make meaningful improvements in the town centre. 

“There are too many vacant shops in the town centre.” 
I’m pleased to share that we’re working with Torbay Council to bring new life to these spaces if a business is not willing to take it. Plans are underway to allow local artists to showcase their work and run creative programmes. One vacant shop front is already being used to provide updates on the Street Focus project and information on reporting crime. 

“There needs to be a tougher stance on drink and drug use, as well as antisocial behaviour (ASB).” 
In June 2024, Torbay Council introduced Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to prohibit alcohol consumption in designated zones. The dispersal order PSPO empowers police and authorised officers to move individuals causing a nuisance out of the area for up to 24 hours. To date, over 500 alcohol-related PSPOs have been issued in Torquay and 60 dispersal orders have been given across Torquay and Paignton. 

The CCTV team has been instrumental in tackling crime, including the recent arrest of a drug dealer spotted by operators. They also continue to work with police to identify those riding dangerously on bikes. 

“There needs to be more visible policing on our streets.” 
I share this view and creating safer public places through visible policing is a key part of my new Police and Crime Plan. I secured funding for hotspot policing and this is now well established in Torquay, bringing together police officers, town centre officers and street marshals to provide a strong uniformed presence. To date, 1,727 hours of hotspot patrols have been delivered and more than 6,000 people engaged with. 

To further enhance visibility, my office gifted a mobile police station to the force, enabling officers to be present in the community. This also makes it easier for people to report crime and receive advice. 

“I don’t feel safe in Castle Circus.” 
Castle Circus has been a concern for many residents and I’ve heard first-hand how unsafe people have felt. Increased patrols have made a difference with businesses and residents reporting feeling reassured as a result. There are also some 300 cameras across Torbay and I know the CCTV team have had success in providing intel which has led to arrests.  

My office has requested the council make Castle Circus a strategic investment area. We need to use all our collective resources to tackle and stop ASB. 

“Street and local park cleanliness issues need to be tackled.” 
The SWISCo neighbourhood enforcement team, working on behalf of Torbay Council, is tackling littering, fly-tipping, graffiti and dog fouling. Between November 2024 and January 2025, they issued 75 fixed penalty notices, but their primary focus is on engaging and educating the public. The team is out seven days per week and collectively walks around 150km per week to keep Torbay clean. 

“Shoplifting issues need to be addressed.” 
To combat retail crime, the town centre officers have promoted the StoreNet radio system which connects businesses with CCTV and police. Currently, 69 StoreNet radios are in operation, along with 63 NiteNet radios for night-time economy businesses. 

Something I am excited to be piloting with the police and businesses in Torbay this year is the UKPAC Business Crime Reduction Solution. Funded by my office, this will support local businesses to report retail crime and the police to collate evidence to prosecute offenders.  

“Youth club provision needed to address young person’s ASB and youth gangs in the town centre.” 
We engaged with South Devon College students to understand how they would address community issues. Their ideas, from addiction support to youth clubs, were inspiring. I’m proud that my office is funding Plymouth Argyle Community Trust to deliver youth programmes in Torbay and Plymouth, helping to create opportunities for young people and tackle the root causes of ASB. 

None of this work happens without the support of our partners. I was delighted to present Tara Harris, Divisional Director of Community and Customer Services at Torbay Council, with my Commissioner’s Award. Tara has been an integral part in keeping people safe from harm, reducing reoffending and positively engaging partners for the benefit of Torbay. It’s people like Tara that are vital to advocate for the community and drive improvements.   

Torquay has always been a blueprint for the Street Focus project. This year, we’re taking the lessons learned to Camborne, where I know partners are committed to creating a safer, more vibrant community. 

Much progress has been made but there is still more to do. I will continue to listen, engage and work in partnership to build a safer and stronger Torquay. If you’d like to have your say, please complete our survey here: Torquay Town Centre Engagement Survey.