Positive response to anti-crime visits by police

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers in Newquay, along with other agencies, visited more than 60 businesses to discuss crime

Businesses in Cornwall responded positively to visits to discuss crime by police and other agencies, police have said.

Devon and Cornwall Police said it spoke to more than 60 retailers in October about shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, fraud, and scams.

Officers visited the shops alongside staff from Newquay Town Council, Harbour Housing and Newquay BID.

It said the town was one of the areas in Cornwall benefitting from extra hotspot police patrols thanks to Home Office funding.

Helen Toms, community safety officer for Cornwall Council, said overall the teams had an incredibly positive response from the businesses with retailers thanking them for taking time to speak with them in person.

“The number of other partners that took part in the event was commendable, with a wide range of agencies represented," she said.

"This was noted by several businesses who said how reassuring it was to understand the multi-agency working taking place. Many businesses in Newquay have Shopwatch radios, use them regularly and feel safer as a result," Ms Toms added.

Businesses were also reminded to display a Say No to Hate sticker containing a QR code to show the public they were supporting the "zero-tolerance stance against hate crime".