Your chance to shape policing, crime prevention and victim services across the region

Devon and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner is so concerned about an increase in shoplifting and rural crime she has added theft as a priority to her emerging police and crime plan.

Alison Hernandez also details how she wants police and partners to do more to reduce alcohol-fuelled crime in her draft 2025-29 plan – which sets out the vision for her term of office.

In it she identifies antisocial behaviour, drug and alcohol abuse, violence and theft as priorities, and describes how she proposes to tackle these in towns and cities, in rural and coastal areas and on the counties’ roads.

The draft plan sets out an overarching priority of improving policing services and describes how she intends to commission services to meet its aims and measure performance.

Residents of the force area are being invited to view the draft plan and complete a short online survey so their views can be considered before the plan is finalised. Partners such as those involved in Community Safety Partnerships and organisations who provide services to victims are also being asked to give their views.

The Commissioner said the views of members of the public shaped all her work.

“It is my duty to be the voice of the public in policing and bring to the table their concerns as we plan what policing should look like, and shape the services I provide to victims of crime and to reduce reoffending,” she said.

“For many years people have told me they want a more connected and visible police force, and one which focuses on the things that make them feel unsafe, such as antisocial behaviour, dangerous driving, drugs and alcohol. We have responded by establishing a road safety partnership and investing heavily to bolster police numbers and reopen police enquiry offices in 13 communities.

“As we look ahead I am increasingly concerned about rural crime and the scourge of shoplifting which is affecting businesses and leading to a sense of lawlessness. For that reason I have added tackling theft as a priority.

“My plan will bring focus to police and partners and is designed to create safer, connected, resilient communities where everyone has a part to play. Now I want the people I serve to have their say on this proposal.”

Residents of the force area can have their say by completing the survey at https://bit.ly/3BhjTxT by midnight on Sunday, October 27.

The Commissioner’s community engagement team will be consulting members of the public on the draft plan at events up and down the force area. For details of these events see https://devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk/public-engagement.