Reported anti-social behaviour across Devon and Cornwall fell by 10.2 percent in the 12 months leading to May 2026, according to official figures presented to the Police and Crime Panel on July 17.
Incidents dropped from 26,695 to 23,969, with Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez highlighting targeted enforcement strategies.
These included 31 closure orders, youth civil injunctions, and over 40 Community Protection Warnings and Notices over the past year.
"The use of these powers send a clear message that communities should not have to tolerate persistent antisocial behaviour," said Hernandez.
Hotspot Policing and Funding
Targeted hotspot policing involved over 42,000 hours of foot patrols across 15 designated locations, initially supported by £2 million in Home Office funding alongside local commissioner contributions.
While Home Office funding for hotspot patrols ended in April, the commissioner's office provided £150,000 to maintain street marshal patrols through September 2026 before transitioning the initiative into regular policing operations.
Local councils, such as North Devon Council, have allocated £275,000 from budget surpluses to support ongoing street marshal initiatives in future years.
"Antisocial behaviour can make people feel unsafe in their own communities, prevent them from enjoying public spaces and have a damaging effect on town centres, neighbourhoods and rural areas," said Hernandez.
Prevention measures also include a Youth ASB Assertive Outreach Service that has supported more than 2,100 young people since 2022, with an 82 percent positive outcome rate.
"Every incident affects real people.
Whether it is persistent street disorder, nuisance neighbours, intimidating behaviour, dangerous driving or rural antisocial behaviour, the impact on victims can be significant," said Hernandez.
Local authorities in areas such as Looe, Brixham, Ilfracombe, and Exmouth had previously raised persistent disorder concerns, prompting calls for sustainable long-term funding for community safety officers.
"While Devon and Cornwall remains one of the safest places in the country, I know from speaking to councils, businesses and residents that antisocial behaviour continues to be one of the issues people are most concerned about," said Hernandez.
Separately, local educational partnerships featured Year 10 students at Kingsbridge Community College participating in simulated detective work alongside police officers during their Discovery Challenge Week on July 13.
"Working with schools in this way allows young people to gain a better understanding of modern policing and the important role we play within our communities," said Sam McGregor, Kingsbridge and Rural Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC.
The interactive training event engaged the entire school campus in safety protocols and emergency management procedures.
"This was an incredibly valuable opportunity for our students to experience first-hand the professionalism, teamwork and decision making involved in policing," said Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College.
Regional safety initiatives are also expanding the tri-service officer model, which combines firefighter, ambulance responder, and crime prevention roles across Devon fire stations.
