Neighbourhood Policing Week well received by public
Last week officers, staff and volunteers across Devon & Cornwall took part in the successful national Neighbourhood Policing Week of action (23 Jan for seven days).
The initiative was all about getting out and about in local communities and listening to people, as well as responding to concerns and taking action. Police teams engaged with hundreds of members of the public of all ages and attended schools, libraries, shops, local markets, licensed premises, parks, youth clubs and other venues to offer crime prevention advice and help raise awareness of local issues. Extra foot patrols were carried out across towns and villages and vulnerable people also received visits. Some areas also carried out Community Speedwatch sessions to tackle traffic concerns.
Superintendent Antony Hart is the police boss for the Exeter, East and Mid Devon Local Policing Area.
He said: “Our officers, staff and volunteers did a fantastic job during the week to highlight all the useful initiatives that we carry out all year round. We wanted to meet as many of the public we serve as possible and let them know we are here for them and will listen to concerns. Feedback from our communities was, on the whole, very positive and we hope we made a difference to the people we reached. Some of the concerns raised included anti-social behaviour, scams, online safety for children, rural crime and vehicle theft.
“We would like to remind our communities that we organise regular opportunities to liaise with officers, PCSOs, Cadets and Specials every month and welcome the chance to assist our residents and work with partners such as local councils. Devon remains one of the safest places to live, work and visit.”
Latest ONS crime stats issued during Neighbourhood Policing Week revealed that Devon & Cornwall Police is the third safest police area in England & Wales.
For those people who could not meet an officer face to face there were many social media updates available last week #NeighbourhoodPolicingDevon
Members of the public who wish to contact their local police team can do so via the force website https://:devon-cornwall.police.uk
