Alison Hernandez: New plan to boost Devon policing

Later this month I will present a draft budget for the next financial year to the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel.

Among considerations the Chief Constable and I are proposing is that a ‘windfall’ of additional money from second homes is used to bolster visible policing in communities.

That would be part of a relentless fight against crime I want the force to take in the next four years. It is something I have outlined in my 2024-29 Police and Crime Plan. Put together after much consultation with partners and residents, it makes theft and alcohol-related offences new priorities for the force, alongside a renewed focus on rural challenges.

I want everyone to play their part in this effort, and think the plan articulates a bold vision to improve policing and crime services and create safer, more resilient, and connected communities.

The plan outlines four strategic priorities – theft, drugs and alcohol, serious violence, and antisocial behaviour – tailored to specific locations:

In our town and city centres we must tackle theft, shoplifting, and alcohol-related disorder, alongside efforts to reduce violence against women and girls.

In countryside and coastal areas we need a renewed focus on rural crime, including preventing livestock and equipment theft. We must tackle wildlife crime and disrupt organised crime networks operating in remote areas.

On the roads we should persist with a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving, reduce road traffic fatalities and serious injuries, and target vehicle-related crimes.

In our homes and neighbourhoods we must do more to support victims, disrupt illegal drug supplies and improve responses to domestic abuse and residential burglaries.

The plan also sets out how I will measure the performance of Devon & Cornwall Police. This means reduced call waiting times, more accurate crime recording, an increase in public confidence and the force being removed from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire & Rescue Services ‘engage’ status.

Recognising the unique challenges of policing one of the UK’s largest rural areas, the plan introduces measures to protect farmers and rural businesses from theft and ensures all rural thefts are investigated. Wildlife crime and illegal activities in remote areas are a major focus, with support for dedicated rural crime teams, Tri-Service Safety Officers, and rural crime prevention groups.

The plan also prioritises intelligence-sharing to deter organised crime groups from exploiting rural and coastal routes, creating a ‘ring of steel’ to prevent drug trafficking and other illegal activities in these communities.

An emphasis is on protecting women and girls from violence, particularly in homes and town and city centres. It includes measures to prioritise prevention, ensure robust responses to incidents, and improve support for victims. It calls for radical ideas to prevent domestic abuse, violence against women and girls, and child sexual abuse.

Efforts will focus on creating safer spaces through visible policing, increased use of enforcement powers, and partnerships with local organisations to address the root causes of violence.

Antisocial behaviour remains a priority in the new plan, reflecting widespread public concerns about its impact on communities. The plan includes measures to reduce disorder in town centres, address disruptive vehicle use, and combat behaviours that undermine the safety and wellbeing of residents.

With a new Chief Constable at the helm, a budget which allows record officer numbers and a strategic direction based on the priorities of our communities I am confident the force, after a period of challenges around its leadership, is now well placed to deliver for those it serves in the new year.

The new plan can be downloaded from my office website. If you would like a printed copy please contact the team.

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