Police and Partners work together to make a difference in Newquay
Police and partners from other agencies in Newquay stepped up their efforts last week to engage with retailers as part of national Safer Business Action week (SaBA).
Multi agency teams from Devon & Cornwall Police, along with colleagues from Newquay Town Council and those from Harbour Housing and Newquay BID visited more than 60 businesses in Newquay town centre to discuss crime such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour (ASB), along with fraud and scams.
As well as answering any queries or concerns information was provided about the free two-way Devon and Cornwall Alert system and those not already signed up were encouraged to do so. The system offers crime prevention advice and warns of crime trends and incidents. For more information visit the DC Alert website Home Page - Devon and Cornwall Alert
Neighbourhood Sergeant Ian Weager explained: “The objectives of the week included engaging with local businesses to better understand the issues affecting them, highlight the existing work already taking place to support retailers and increase reporting of crime. The initiative promoted collaborative working and strengthened our relationships between Newquay Safe partners and the business community in Newquay.”
Police also took the opportunity to remind businesses that last week was also national hate crime awareness week. Each premises was asked to display a ‘Say No to Hate’ sticker containing a QR code that links to more information. This is a way to show the public they are supporting the zero-tolerance stance against hate crime – which can include hostility or prejudice against someone based on their gender, ethnicity, disability, religion or belief or their sexual orientation. Similar initiatives to highlight business and hate crime were also run in other towns in Cornwall earlier this month.
Community Safety Officer for Cornwall Council, Helen Toms, said: “Overall we had an incredibly positive response from the businesses, with every retailer thanking us for taking the time to speak with them in person and seek their feedback. A number of residents stopped the teams in the street to thank them for what they do.
“The number of other partners that took part in the event was commendable, with a wide range of agencies represented. This was noted by several businesses who said how reassuring it was to understand the multi-agency working taking place. Many businesses in Newquay have Shopwatch radios, use them regularly and feel safer as a result.”
Newquay is one of the areas in Cornwall benefitting from extra hotspot police patrols, thanks to Home Office funding. This means high visibility shifts for officers and more community engagement for areas experiencing anti-social behaviour and violence. Neighbourhood Police Teams combine the foot patrols with partnership working alongside the Newquay Rangers and others, as well as problem-solving initiatives on a daily basis.
For more information about business crime and crime prevention advice please visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website Home | Devon & Cornwall Police
If you wish to report a hate crime go online Zero Tolerance to Hate Crime | Devon & Cornwall Police
Pic below shows Mike Puckey (left), Police Community Support Officer Paul Price and James Mylam from Harbour Housing
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