POLICE in Devon and Cornwall have secured an extra £1.7 million to crack down on anti-social behaviour against women and girls.

Money has been made available for projects from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has been working with councils on the bids.

With additional funding from partners, a total of more than £2.6m will be spent on the projects, which will lead to activity including increased police patrols, graffiti clean-ups and outreach work with young people and those with complex needs.

The bids also include plans such as additional mobile CCTV and extra private security patrols to build confidence among those who want to enjoy bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Alison said: ‘Anti-social behaviour is one of our communities’ top priorities. In partnership with our business community a great deal of work will take place to make these towns safer and more appealing to people who want to enjoy them without feeling threatened. I am pleased to be working with police and councils on this issue and delighted the Government has listened to our arguments to provide substantial funding for these projects.’