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.
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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.
