A policing scheme targeting crime hotspots across 15 towns in Devon and Cornwall, including Torquay, has helped reduce reports of anti-social behaviour and street violence by 10 per cent during 2025.
The initiative, overseen by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, uses increased foot patrols by police and street marshals in areas identified as high-crime zones. In Torquay, a local project known as Street Focus Torquay launched in June 2024 has led to a 25 per cent reduction in anti-social behaviour within the town centre over its first year.
The success of the initiative, which began in 13 locations before expanding to 15, has seen 410 arrests and over 45,000 hours of extra police patrols across the region since it began in March 2024. Street marshals, who operate under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme, support these efforts by providing a uniformed presence with powers to seize alcohol from young people and request personal details from individuals involved in anti-social incidents.
While the initial government funding from the Home Office for extra police foot patrols finished in May 2026, the local police force has confirmed that hotspot policing will remain part of its regular neighbourhood policing approach. Additionally, the Police and Crime Commissioner has provided £150,000 to ensure street marshal patrols continue in these locations until 30 September 2026.
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