A £1 million hotspot policing scheme has been extended to new areas in Devon and Cornwall.
The initiative, which was launched in May 2024, is aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour (ASB) and serious violence through targeted police and street marshal patrols.
The scheme was initially made possible through £1 million of Home Office funding, secured by Alison Hernandez, police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly.
The Home Office has now committed a further £1 million to continue the hotspot patrols over the next 12 months, expanding the scheme to include two new hotspots in Tiverton and Bodmin.
The funding pays for additional officer time to conduct the targeted patrols, providing a boost in visible policing where it is needed most.
Local crime data is used to identify areas with the highest levels of crime and antisocial behaviour.
Chief Inspector Dom Nicholls, who heads up the project, said: "Hotspot policing was introduced across Devon and Cornwall last year and we have already seen positive results.
"Focusing highly visible police and street marshal patrols in areas of high levels of violence and ASB has been effective in both preventing crime and making people feel safer.
"I am really pleased that the force has received further funding this year as it provides the opportunity to build on the early success of hotspot policing and ensure that the public continue to see more police on the streets."
Since May 2024, more than 93,000 members of the public have been engaged with during a hotspot patrol and more than 40,000 premises visits.
Businesses and residents have felt an increased uniformed presence and reported feeling safer as a result.
Alison Hernandez said: "Hotspot policing is delivering exactly what our communities have told us they want - more visible patrols, proactive policing and real action to tackle antisocial behaviour.
"I’m delighted we have secured funding for another year and that two further towns, Bodmin and Tiverton, will benefit from these patrols."
For more information, visit street-focus.co.uk.
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