Devon & Cornwall Police focus on anti-social behaviour
Devon & Cornwall Police has strengthened its approach to tackling anti-social behaviour as part of the Government's Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. The Guarantee recognises the significant impact that anti-social behaviour can have on victims, communities and public confidence, and places neighbourhood policing at the heart of the response.
A key commitment within the Guarantee has been the introduction of a force-wide Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, led by dedicated ASB Lead Superintendent Emma Butler-Jones and developed alongside communities and partner agencies including the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and local authorities.
You can read the ASB Action Plan and view information about the Neighbourhood Guarantee on the Devon & Cornwall Police website here: Anti social behaviour action plan | Devon & Cornwall Police
Supt. Butler-Jones said: “The action plan focuses on the issues that matter most to local people, ensuring activity is targeted where it can have the greatest impact. This includes a renewed focus on problem-solving, hotspot patrols, partnership working and robust action against persistent offenders.
“For neighbourhood teams, this represents an opportunity to build on the excellent work already taking place across Devon and Cornwall by continuing to listen to communities, tackle local concerns and work collaboratively to reduce harm. Through visible policing, proactive engagement, and effective problem-solving, we will continue to make our neighbourhoods safer places to live, work and visit.”
In the 12 months to May there has been a 10.2% reduction in anti-social behaviour incidents. This has been achieved by neighbourhood policing teams who have the best understanding of their communities working with Community Safety Partnerships, housing authorities and other agencies.
Supt. Butler-Jones said: “One of the key elements in tackling anti-social behaviour are the reports and intelligence we receive from the public. If something is concerning you in your community, let us know. There is a dedicated online form for reporting anti-social behaviour on the front page of our website, just click the Report button, or call 101.”
Following the government announcement of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee in 2025, all 43 police forces in England and Wales appointed dedicated ASB leads to publish formal ASB Action Plans.
Pictured are some examples from the last four months of neighbourhood policing, teams and partnerships tackling ASB.
- Plymouth Waterfront police team patrol
- Community safety Accreditation Scheme activity with Torbay Council and providers SWISCo
- Closure order in Truro
- Patrol in Looe
- Dispersal order in Looe over the summer
- Neighbourhood Team Leader for South Molton, Sgt Robert Brown
- Closure order in Camborne
- Anti-socially ridden motorcycles seized in Plymouth (Op Hyssop)
- Public Spaces Protection Order in Crediton
- Closure order in Torquay
- Anti-social riding in Plymouth, with fire service
- Closure order in Camborne
Image gallery:
select image to see larger version