Extended Hotspot Patrols Bring Safety Boost to Penzance Through March 2025

Penzance is set to benefit from extended hotspot policing until March 2025, following a successful summer of increased patrols aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour (ASB) and reducing serious crime. Thanks to Home Office funding, residents and businesses in Penzance have already seen the positive impact of these patrols, which use a data-driven approach to target areas with higher crime rates.

High-Impact Patrols Continue After Summer Success

Hotspot policing, supported by Home Office funding and Cornwall Council, initially funded street marshal patrols in Penzance. However, due to high demand, daily police foot patrols were introduced over the summer, with a total of 344 extra hours logged between July and September. Officers patrolled designated hotspots to deter and address crime, resulting in:

• 47 intelligence submissions from officers
• 37 ASB incidents attended
• Nine arrests made
• 24 Public Protection Notices (PPNs) or safeguarding referrals
• 26 stop-and-search actions, with four offensive weapons and 15 pieces of property seized

The targeted policing has placed officers in strategic areas to deter criminal activity and support community safety efforts.

Community Support and Multi-Agency Collaboration

Cornwall Council’s commissioned street marshals are also contributing to these safety efforts, working alongside police to share intelligence and conduct joint patrols. In the initial three months, street marshals shared 16 pieces of community intelligence with police.

“Extended hotspot patrols have proven to be a crucial resource for Penzance, delivering visible reassurance to residents and supporting our collective efforts to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour,” said Olly Bayliss, Community Safety Officer for West Cornwall and Chair of Safer Penzance. “The collaborative work between local officers, street marshals, and partner agencies such as the dedicated anti-social behaviour caseworker has strengthened community safety and trust. With continued support, we’re able to address the concerns raised by our community and in turn keep Penzance a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.”

Positive Reception from Residents and Businesses

Feedback from the community has been encouraging, with locals noting an improved sense of safety in the town centre. Throughout the summer, officers and marshals engaged with over 2,500 people and visited local premises over 1,000 times.

“Hotspot policing has been really effective here in Penzance so I’m pleased we can continue these extra patrols. The response from the community has been fantastic – residents are pleased to see us out and about, plus businesses have reported feeling a difference with the patrols in place,” said Penzance Sector Inspector Dee Evans. “My team are working closely with the street marshals so that we can continue to tackle crime and ASB.”

Funding Secured for Future Safety Initiatives

The extended patrols are part of a broader Street Focus project, with Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez securing £1 million in funding from the Home Office. An additional £200,000 from the Commissioner has enabled even more partner patrols across Devon and Cornwall. Penzance is among 13 towns and cities benefiting from these efforts.

Photo: Police and street marshals are working together to tackle antisocial behaviour and increase community safety.