The Safer Towns initiative is making moves on a further six Cornish towns, including Falmouth to bring the Devon and Cornwall police force and general public together once more.
For the past two years Devon and Cornwall Police have worked alongside Safer Cornwall and Cornwall fire and rescue to find suitable ways in approaching social issues in real time to make Cornwall a safer and more enjoyable environment to live and visit.
The scheme generally targets street drinking, rough sleeping, and anti social behaviour to avoid people becoming victims and preventing perpetrators of crime from being destructive within local communities.
Andrew Kirchin, Communications and engagement manager for PCC, said: “Just over two years ago we did the biggest ever consultation into policing in Devon and Cornwall. There was a general feeling that the relationship between public and police had been lost.”
However, he strongly believes that Cornwall is ‘ahead of the game’ and ‘would like the community safety partnerships in Devon to work in a similar way.’
Safer Towns has since developed across ten towns, now including: Falmouth, Bodmin, Cambourne, Redruth, Liskeard and Saltash.
The rapid growth of the scheme has undoubtedly required funding and so Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner, has granted £5,000 for each town totalling at £50,000 to fund the entire upcoming extension which will contribute to practical initiatives and innovation.
According to an online media release, Sue James, Council cabinet member for neighbourhoods, has reassured locals: “We know different communities have their own specific concerns that make them feel unsafe”, however Cornwall Council is ‘keen to work with communities to tackle anti-social behaviour and community safety issues.’
The first inaugural meeting for newly acquired Falmouth took place two weeks ago, with a small body of people to discuss whether or not it would be required.
After agreeing with the idea, the scheme is now working closely with a town profile of Falmouth that highlights the key crime trends and have been conducting resident surveys to fully acknowledge the communities voice.
Zoe Grofton, Community Safety Officer (mid Cornwall) said: “The first meeting was really positive- there is definitely the support there for a Safer Falmouth.”
“We are all working together rather than in isolation”, she added.
Grofton aims to spread the model across the whole of Cornwall and is eager to see communities taking up the scheme to reduce and resolve social issues in their areas.
Additionally, Jim Pearce, Police Commander for Cornwall Chief Superintendent, has recently said that that the scheme is truly reflective of Devon and Cornwall’s polices ethos and what they stand for as an organisation. He states: “We are fully committed to supporting the new Safer Towns.”
For more information on Safer towns visit the website here.