Last week, Torridge District Council welcomed Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez to Caddsdown Business Support Centre in Bideford, to meet with local representatives to discuss the policing and crime issues that affect them, as well as the latest proposals from the government about police reforms.
The meeting was chaired by Councillor Ken James and brought together a strong turnout of attendees, including district and town councillors, business representatives from Bideford Town Centre, officers from Torridge District Council as well as officers from Devon & Cornwall Police, including street marshals and CCTV team.
Attendees had the opportunity to discuss the local policing and crime issues and put their questions directly to Alison Hernandez. A range of topics were covered including anti-social behaviour; drugs; the lack of visible policing/PCSO and the importance of Street Marshalls; as well as the increasing rise in shoplifting and the impact it has on trade in the town.
Discussion and debate also extended to rural crime, including the wave of thefts of tractors and football pitch mowers as well as animal rustling.
Councillor Philip Hackett, Lead Member for Public Health & Community Safety, Torridge District Council, said: “This event provided a fantastic opportunity for members of our local community to have a constructive dialogue with the Police and Crime Commissioner, allowing for direct questions to be asked, and for issues to be raised. Policing and Crime are always matters that are close to our hearts and minds, and it was good to discuss these emotive issues in a productive way. I would like to thank Alison and her team for helping to deliver such a successful event.”
Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, said: “I would like to express my thanks to our Lead Member for his continuing work towards the safety of the residents of Torridge and securing this visit by the Police and Crime Commissioner. Today’s session was a useful exercise for all involved, which I hope will form the foundation blocks of a more productive and positive working relationship between all parties in the future.”
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner, Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “The meeting was held to help me understand the issues affecting the people of Bideford and North Devon and for me to update them on what may come next for policing with the national reforms planned. This policing area is one of the best performing areas in Devon & Cornwall Police in terms of crime and their management and leadership.
The issues people told me they are concerned about are anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, alcohol and drugs, and violence. These are all key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan which we remain focused on, including in North Devon.
I am really grateful to everyone who attended the meeting and look forward to working with all partners to ensure North Devon is a safe place to live, work and visit.”
