Operation Scorpion: Truro police carry out antisocial behaviour and drug patrols
Devon & Cornwall Police are involved in a crackdown across our region
Last updated 6th Jul 2022
We have been given special access to a crackdown on antisocial behaviour in and around Truro.
The city is tackling that as part of the South West's Operation Scorpion, which is working to combat drug dealing and supply.
Police are carrying out targeted patrols in areas where there have been problems in the past, including Furniss Island, Lemon Quay and Moorfield Car Park.
Sergeant Dave Pearce said: "We as a neighbourhood team have been working with partner agencies, so schools, the council, Truro Safe, Truro BID, to improve the environment of people to come into Truro and surrounding areas as well.
"This isn't just about Truro - this is about Tregony - this is about Perranporth".
Operation Scorpion involves all five South West forces, Police and Crime Commissioners and Crimestoppers, working together to keep neighbourhoods across the entire region feeling safe and protected from drug use, anti-social behaviour and street drinking, which might result in violence.
PC Dan Robins from the local neighbourhood team in Truro said: "It's no more an issue here than it is anywhere else, but it is an issue so we need to deal with it.
"If people suspect issues of drugs are going on so for instance if their neighbours are getting lots of people coming to their house at all times of the night that could be evidence of drug transactions taking place.
"Organised crime groups they can use children to run their drugs for them or to aid their communication so if you see children who maybe don't have a lot then all of a sudden have brand new clothing, a brand new mobile phone then maybe start asking some questions, and we can do some digging".
The forces are targeting drug use by looking out for street drinkers and youths when out on their patrols.
The scheme is looking at what influence drugs have on the local community and tackling anti-social behaviour by targeting main individuals who are causing problem by turning them away and prosecuting if necessary.
It follows an incident in Moorfield Car Park, which is currently under investigation, where a homeless man was attacked.
PC Robins said: "I think it had a big impact and that incident was the peak of it, it gained a lot of media traction and brought it on to the spotlight really.
"I believe Truro is very safe, it's a lovely little city and you can see by the number of people that come here on a daily basis either for work or to visit the city on holiday. Yes it has its problems but I do think it's a safe place to live".
People who notice anything suspicious or who have any information on antisocial behaviour in their local communities are being urged to report their concerns via Crimestoppers or to the police via 101.