Policing boss pledges focus on North Devon crime after 'productive' summit

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall has held a high-level summit in Bideford to address growing concerns over local crime and the future of policing in North Devon.

Alison Hernandez met with residents and district leaders to discuss a range of issues affecting the Torridge area.

The visit was secured following advocacy from Torridge District Council, with leadership highlighting the meeting as a vital step in ensuring the safety of local residents.

Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, credited the visit to the ongoing work of the council’s community safety team. 

Mr James described the session as a “useful exercise” and expressed his hope that the dialogue would form the “foundation blocks” for a more productive and positive working relationship between the local authority and the Commissioner’s office.

'Direct questions' on community safety

The meeting provided a platform for what officials described as a “constructive dialogue,” allowing the public to challenge the Commissioner directly on policing performance. Councillor Philip Hackett, the Lead Member for Public Health and Community Safety, noted that policing remains a matter “close to the hearts and minds” of the community.

Mr Hackett thanked Ms Hernandez and her team for facilitating the event, adding that discussing such “emotive issues” in a productive environment was a significant step forward for the district.

During the session, the Commissioner was briefed on a series of persistent issues that residents say are impacting daily life in the town. 

These included rising instances of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, alongside concerns regarding alcohol and drug misuse. 

Violent crime was also highlighted as a primary worry for the local population.

Responding to these concerns, Ms Hernandez emphasised that these areas remain “key priorities” within her current Police and Crime Plan. 

She noted that while the public has clear anxieties about street-level crime, the North Devon policing area remains one of the highest-performing sectors within the Devon and Cornwall force in terms of both crime management and leadership.

The Commissioner also used the visit to provide updates on upcoming national policing reforms. 

These changes are expected to alter the landscape of how forces are managed across the UK, though Ms Hernandez maintained that the focus in North Devon would remain on visible, effective enforcement.

Addressing the attendees, she expressed her gratitude for the transparency of the local community. 

She confirmed that her office remains committed to a partnership-led approach to ensure the region remains a safe environment for residents, workers, and visitors alike.