FUNDING has been extended to continue to provide extra police foot patrols across Devon and Cornwall.

Newton Abbot is one of the ‘hotspot’ towns identified to receive the additional policing.

The scheme, which delivered more than 26,000 hours of additional foot patrols in towns and cities has been extended thanks to a £1 million funding boost.

The initiative is designed to tackle antisocial behaviour (ASB) and serious violence with targeted police and street marshal patrols in areas with the highest levels of crime.

The project, which was initially launched in May 2024, was 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 hotspot patrols over the next 12 months.

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.

While the priority is to prevent crime, the targeted approach to patrolling places police and partners in the right place at the right time, enabling proactive action.

In the past year, this has led to: more than 2,000 additional pieces of intelligence; 190 Public Protection Notices or safeguarding referrals; 1,467 ASB incidents attended; 256 arrests; 274 stop and searches and 52 offensive weapons seized.

Almost 250 pieces of property were seized including drugs or stolen goods.

Chief Inspector Dom Nicholls, who heads up the project, said: ‘Hotspot policing was introduced 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.’

Community engagement is a key part of hotspot policing to increase public reassurance.

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.

A multi-agency approach has been vital in the success of hotspot policing.

Street marshals and neighbourhood policing teams have carried out joint patrols and also shared intelligence.

In addition to reducing ASB and serious violence, cutting knife crime in half is a new objective for the initiative.

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, 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.

‘The success of hotspot policing really highlights the power of partnership working.

‘With the police, street marshals and local authorities all working together, we’re creating a more coordinated, community-led approach to public safety.’