Street Focus: Torquay
What is Street Focus: Torquay?
Castle Circus residents have long been affected by antisocial behaviour (ASB) and serious violence, with residents and traders feeling unsafe, the area looking rundown, many vacant shop premises and not able to attract new businesses.
Street Focus: Torquay was launched after Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez secured £1 million from the Home Office to fund hotspot policing in multiple locations across Devon and Cornwall, including Castle Circus in Torquay. The funding sees additional police and uniformed community patrols in the town centre. The patrols provide a reassuring presence to help people feel safe while also proactively disrupting crime and acting as a deterrent.
This multi-agency approach is a collective vision for a safer town centre where the community can thrive with OPCC working in partnership with Devon & Cornwall Police, Torbay Council and SWISCo.
The project provides an opportunity to try and test new things to improve the environment, increase public confidence, reduce ASB and local crime rates and aims to bring real, long-term change to the area.
Hotspot policing
Torquay has received funding for both police and street marshal patrols as part of a hotspot policing initiative. This will enable an increased uniformed presence in the town centre. Joint working between the police and street marshals will deliver a united front against antisocial behaviour and serious violence.
Tackling antisocial behaviour
We are working with Torbay Council to reduce antisocial behaviour (ASB).
Investment will provide additional enforcement officers and support and welfare staff to address the root cause.
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) give police and other authorised officers the power to tackle ASB through dispersal notices and directions to remove alcohol.
Torquay PSPO data
Community engagement
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner community engagement vehicle makes weekly appearances outside the town hall. It is a hub for members of the public to give their thoughts on the issues in the town and receive advice.
Help us to make Torquay safer
We want to hear from you about issues in your area as we work to improve safety in Torquay town centre and inspire pride in our town.
