A new Inspector and Sergeant are welcomed to Torquay police team
Devon & Cornwall Police have appointed a new Inspector and Sergeant in Torquay, who will be joining the neighbourhood team. With nearly 40 years of experience between them, they have been brought in to support the continued activity to make the town safer.
Ben Shardlow will be joining the team as an Inspector and working with the current Inspector, Chris Lithgow. Insp Ben Shardlow said: “I’m really pleased to have the opportunity to work in Torquay alongside the team of fantastic police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). I’ve always enjoyed working in Torbay, especially as it was the area that I was first based when joining Devon & Cornwall Police back in 2007.
“We know that making Torquay a safer place isn’t something the police can solve alone. We need input and support from various agencies to tackle a number of complex issues. That’s why, as part of my new role, I’ll be working closely with local partners to develop a collaborative plan to make the town and surrounding areas safer. As part of this, I’ll be planning for the neighbourhood police team to carry out a number of proactive tactics and activity, alongside our partners, to deter crime, pursue offenders and provide a reassurance to the local community.
“As well as the proactive policing side of my job, one of my aims is to build a connected community, where people feel listened to and able to share their concerns. By making us aware of the problems, we can work with our partners who will be key in helping us to develop and deliver quality services to address the short and long-term issues. This is such an important step in helping us work together to create a safer, improved town for everyone.”
Neil Powers, who has been a police officer for almost 19 years, is joining the Torquay team as a neighbourhood team leader. Sergeant Neil Powers said: “I’m proud to say that Torbay is my home and I am proud to serve the communities of this wonderful area. I certainly have no intentions of leaving, indicated by me putting my name down on a waiting list for a beach hut!
“I am aware of our communities’ concerns raised about the town centre and antisocial behaviour associated with it. I have a real passion for neighbourhood policing and really believe that by working with our partners to address the issues surrounding these problems, we’ll see an improvement in the quality of life for residents and visitors. Not only that, but making sure a strong support system is available for those who need help to improve their own quality of life.
“I’ll be working closely with the PCs to help co-ordinate high visibility patrols, targeted operations and day-to-day work in the town centre. I’ll also be out and about working in the community to build relationships with the public, residents and businesses. I am motivated to help us create a community together that people are proud to visit and call home.”
Insp Shardlow added: “To ensure we’re listening to our community, we’ll be using Devon and Cornwall Alert, which is a two way messaging system. It allows us, the public and businesses who have signed up to send and receive key updates and important messages. It will be a really useful tool in helping us to capture concerns and develop a suitable response to these issues moving forward. So if you haven’t yet, please make sure to sign up.
“We both look forward to working in Torquay and meeting more people in our community. When you see us on patrol, please do come and speak to us - it will be great to introduce ourselves to more people!”
To find out more about the neighbourhood officers in your local area and the work they are doing, visit the ‘what’s happening in your area’ section of the Devon & Cornwall Police website.
Pictured above: Insp Ben Shardlow
Pictured above: PS Neil Powers
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