Newquay Cracks Down on Crime: Police and Partners Join Forces in Town Centre

Police in Newquay teamed up with local agencies last week as part of Safer Business Action Week (SaBA), visiting over 60 businesses in the town centre to address crime concerns. The multi-agency effort involved Devon & Cornwall Police, Newquay Town Council, Harbour Housing, and Newquay BID, focusing on issues such as shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, fraud, and scams.

Crime Prevention and Support

During the visits, businesses were introduced to the free two-way Devon and Cornwall Alert system, offering crime prevention advice and warnings about local crime trends. Businesses not already signed up were encouraged to join. More information can be found on the DC Alert website.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Ian Weager, speaking about the week’s activities, said, “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.”

Tackling Hate Crime

The campaign also coincided with National Hate Crime Awareness Week. Each business was given a ‘Say No to Hate’ sticker, featuring a QR code linking to more information about the zero-tolerance stance on hate crime. Hate crime can include hostility or prejudice based on gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. Similar campaigns were rolled out in other Cornish towns earlier this month.

Positive Business Engagement

Helen Toms, Community Safety Officer for Cornwall Council, highlighted the success of the week, noting the positive reception from retailers and residents. “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,” Helen said.

She also praised the range of partners involved, with businesses finding reassurance in the collaborative efforts. Shopwatch radios, regularly used by many businesses in Newquay, have also contributed to a greater sense of safety in the community.

Hotspot Patrols Continue

Newquay is currently benefitting from extra hotspot patrols, funded by the Home Office. These highly visible police shifts are aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour and violence through increased foot patrols and community engagement. The Neighbourhood Police Team is working alongside Newquay Rangers and others to tackle local problems.

For more information on crime prevention, visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website. To report a hate crime, visit Zero Tolerance to Hate Crime.

Photo: Mike Puckey (left), Police Community Support Officer Paul Price and James Mylam from Harbour Housing