A seaside community says shop workers have been left frightened as theft, anti-social behaviour and drug-related problems leave businesses warning that parts of the town centre are becoming a “no-go area”.
Ilfracombe Town Council has written to Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez raising concerns about crime levels and what it describes as a lack of police response.
In a letter dated Friday, April 24, the council said the crime pattern in Ilfracombe reflected the challenges faced by many coastal towns in Devon, including economic decline, deprivation, poor housing and health inequality.
The council said many large Victorian former guest houses had become houses in multiple occupation or small flats, some of which are used to house people with complex drug, alcohol or mental health needs.
It also said public services had been removed from the town, leaving a lack of support for vulnerable people, while Ilfracombe experiences an increase in street homelessness during the summer.
The letter, signed by Laura Donovan, proper officer for and on behalf of Ilfracombe Town Council, said the town had “for many years endured a repeating pattern of crime linked to deprivation”.
The council said this included anti-social behaviour, street drinking, public urination, abusive language, street fighting, graffiti, vandalism, harassment and intimidation.
It also raised concerns about drug dealing and drug taking, as well as homeless people sleeping in parks and on the seafront, which it said created issues seen by tourists and residents.
The council said theft had become common and claimed shoplifting had “risen exponentially” to the point that it was a daily occurrence for some businesses.
It said: “What is more alarming is that we are now seeing shop workers assaulted or threatened.”
The letter referred to a recent incident in which a shop worker was left in tears after being assaulted by a group of teenage shoplifters who also allegedly attempted to hit her elderly co-worker.
The council said the same teenagers then stole from other businesses on the High Street.
It said police were called after the assault, but the shop worker was told officers would not attend because the assailants had left the premises.
The council said a duty officer later confirmed that an incident would be de-prioritised if the assailant was no longer present because of a triage system prioritising life-threatening situations.
It said the officer also confirmed police were under pressure with fewer resources and more demands, action against repeat offenders could take a long time, fear of crime was high and companies should do more to protect staff.
In the letter, Laura said: “Whilst we recognise these pressures, there is a point beyond which this response becomes unacceptable.
“There is real fear of crime based on the increasing amount of shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and vandalism in our town.
“We know that much of it goes unreported, as it is common knowledge that the police will not take action if the goods stolen are under a certain amount.”
She said businesses were struggling and claimed the High Street was seen as a “no-go area” by some.
Laura added: “Whilst it is true that some businesses could do more, we have many sole traders who cannot afford greater protection measures.
“For some, increasing shop thefts and anti-social behaviour have led to the end of their business.
“Placing responsibility on the business for what is essentially lawlessness feels like blaming the victim.”
The letter said residents should be able to go about their daily lives and work without the threat of violence and theft.
It quoted the Devon and Cornwall Police Plan as saying the force, working with partners, aimed to “deliver coordinated and targeted support for victims of crime and anti-social behaviour, ensure victims of crime get timely and appropriate access to justice, reduce reoffending through behaviour change, prevention and diversion activities, and celebrate community cohesion and promote personal social responsibility.”
Laura said conversations with businesses and residents suggested the council did not feel these objectives were being achieved in Ilfracombe.
The council said it had hosted monthly One Ilfracombe Town Team meetings with partners including police, run a social media campaign encouraging people to report crime, and had a representative on the local anti-social behaviour group.
It said it had also organised a round-table discussion with bodies including Devon County Council, social services, police and mental health services, but claimed there had been “very little discernible outcome”.
The council said local charities, churches and not-for-profit organisations had had to support vulnerable people because of a lack of statutory alternatives.
It added that One Ilfracombe had been successful in local youth club initiatives and one-to-one work with hard-to-reach teenagers.
Ilfracombe Town Council is contributing £8,000 to the Street Marshals project to help ensure its sustainability and provide visible support and reassurance in the town centre.
The letter also referred to a statement published on Facebook by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner on Thursday, April 2, which said: “with 3610, Devon & Cornwall Police has more officers than ever before.”
The council said it wanted to understand how those increased officer numbers were being deployed and how communities such as Ilfracombe would benefit.
Laura said: “In conclusion, although we recognise the difficulties police face in tackling both crime and the causes of crime, many people who live in or visit Ilfracombe are increasingly worried about the level of crime and anti-social behaviour and the lack of response by the police.
“If we want to end the cycle of deprivation and encourage new business and safe living, then we need a proper police response.
“We would be grateful for feedback indicating how these issues can be addressed and how faith in the police can be restored.”
A copy of the letter was also being sent to local MP Ian Roome and children’s social services via Devon county councillor Sara Wilson.
