The reality of policing Devon and Cornwall during the summer holidays

EVERY summer, the challenge is the same - when the sun comes out and the visitors arrive, Devon and Cornwall don't just get busier, they become some of the most popular destinations in the country.

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In fact, when it comes to domestic tourism, we beat everywhere - including London.

That's brilliant news for our economy, our communities, and all the people who love to holiday in the South West. But it’s also a serious strain on our police force. Calls for service increases. Incidents of antisocial behaviour rise. Public spaces get crowded. And all of this falls on the shoulders of the hardworking officers and staff of Devon & Cornwall Police.

So first and foremost, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our emergency services. Many of them are working overtime, picking up extra shifts, and even coming in off their rest days to keep our communities safe. Some officers don’t get to take leave at this time of year - and when they do, it’s booked months in advance. Their commitment doesn’t go unnoticed.

The summer plan for policing in Devon and Cornwall is extensive, coordinated, and based on what works. We've been doing this long enough to know that visibility and early intervention are key. So, this year, we're once again delivering hotspot policing across 15 towns and cities, backed by funding from the Home Office