Woman living in car full of belongings and rubbish, in Truro

One local councillor, who said she has “genuine concern about a human tragedy playing out in full public view”, declared it seems as though no one in authority was doing anything to help the woman.

However, that has been denied with both the police and local authority saying they are aware of the situation.

Members of the public have been regularly posting on social media pages dedicated to the city, airing their concerns about the woman’s plight. A post this week by a resident of the city said: “The individual that is living in their car around Truro … police and ambulance crew have attended but since left and they are still sat in their car with the engine running. Is this person approachable do we know, as I want to help or at least try.”

Many people have replied that the woman has been offered help many times but refuses it. 

Members of the public have not only raised concerns about the woman’s welfare – she is often spotted asleep with the engine running – but also that the car is not taxed or MOTd, and may not be insured either. Because of the amount of rubbish in the car, people are also worried that she may be a danger to other motorists due to the car windows being obstructed.

Dulcie Tudor, who represents Threemilestone and Chacewater on Cornwall Council, highlighted “genuine concern about a human tragedy playing out in full public view” on her Facebook councillor page.

She wrote: “I contacted social services to report this person as a safeguarding concern weeks ago. Social services told me it was a police matter as they were in a vehicle. When I called the police they told me it was a matter for social services.

“Officers did apparently go and take a look (as I reported she was parked up on a dangerous bend on Dobbs Lane causing significant risk to other road users) but ‘couldn’t find the car’. It had literally moved 200 yards around the corner.

“No one in authority it seems is willing or able to take action to save this individual from their own self harm. It is heartbreaking watching this tragedy unfold in very public view. Presumably because of their ‘human rights’. I’m sure many of us can predict what will happen next unless someone in authority actually intervenes.”

Responding to over 100 comments on the most recent social media post about the woman, Stephen Lennon – an Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Officer in Truro – said: “She doesn’t want help and seizing her ‘home’ isn’t something that’s easily done. As for the lack of police intervention, that’s nonsense I assure you.”

Inspector Colin Wheeler, of Truro police, told us: “I am aware of concerns being raised on social media. I would encourage anyone with concerns to report them to us via 101 or through the police website, as we aren’t always monitoring social media posts.

“If people have concerns about public safety or offences being committed please report them to the police, including where that might be happening. I understand some are raising concerns about welfare. It may be appropriate to report to other services, such as social care, if people have wellbeing concerns and feel it’s appropriate to do so and I encourage that too.”

Insp Wheeler, who did not respond directly to Cllr Tudor’s comments about police attending, added that if any motoring or other offences are being committed he would be instructing officers to deal with them “sensitively but robustly”.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council, which doesn’t comment on individual cases, said: “When someone contacts us with information or concerns about an individual we will look into the situation and see what support can be provided to the people involved. We work with our partners across Cornwall to ensure that the appropriate agencies engage with individuals who may require support.

“We encourage people to make contact with us as soon as possible to raise a safeguarding concern, either through our website or by calling us on 0300 1234 131.”