Top cop admits 'We've been too soft on crime'
News Archive > General > Top cop admits 'We've been too soft on crime'
but has maintained that there will be “no excuses and no exceptions to the rule” as police launch a tough crackdown on seasonal disorder in Newquay.
During an exclusive interview with the NewquayVoice, Devon and Cornwall Superintendent Julie Whitmarsh promised a much tougher attitude towards anti-social behaviour in Newquay, caused by the night-time economy and under aged drinking.
In particular, a zero tolerance approach will be taken towards any trade suspected or found in breach of its licence agreement.
Talking at the Truro headquarters, Supt. Whitmarsh said: “Maybe in the past we didn’t deal with them, but now it will be a case of iron fist, velvet glove, and we will be enforcing license regulations to the full extent.”
This hard-line approach was echoed by Newquay Town Manager Guy Thomas who said during a Regeneration Forum meeting on Monday night: “Alcohol related anti-social behaviour was accepted with an, ‘oh it’s Newquay’ mindset in the past. That’s going to change and it will be completely zero tolerance across the board from now on. If we need to we will close places down and pick people up on the minor issues. This year the police will follow the toughest line and enforce the full spectrum of measures at our disposal.”
The partnership approach between the Newquay Safe project and police will see a doubling in the number of officers in the town.
Police will also be stationed at train stations and bus stops around the county to watch for problems before they get to Newquay.
Supt. Whitmarsh added: “The theme will be early intervention and we will be cracking down hard in the early evening before things escalate. We will put out extra police officers at bus stations, train stations and near accommodation around the county.
“For instance people boarding trains at Exeter will have their alcohol confiscated. Everything will be done to minimise risk. We are doing a lot of work countywide to educate people on their own safety and we have got a lot of national support to tackle binge drinking.
“Changing the image of a Newquay holiday will be a slow process over a couple of years and I don’t think the economy has to suffer during the transition.”
There’s real issues we have to deal with and a number of licensed premises are being taken to review, but if they weren’t doing anything wrong there wouldn’t be a problem.”
The Newquay Safe partnership is going really well, it’s a really vibrant feeling that everyone is working together for the benefit of the town. We are working in partnership with the trade and have the support of those involved in the night-time economy.”
