'Theft, serious violence, drugs and alcohol - the latest priorities for Devon & Cornwall Police

Devon and Cornwall's Police and Crime Commissioner has unveiled a new four-year plan which she says will help officers in their ‘relentless’ fight against crime

Alison Hernandez says theft and alcohol-related offences are new priorities for the force, alongside a renewed focus on rural challenges.

The Commissioner is calling on everyone to play their part as she launches her new Police and Crime Plan, which she describes as 'a bold vision to improve policing and crime services and create safer, more resilient, and connected communities'.

It outlines four strategic priorities – theft, drugs and alcohol, serious violence, and antisocial behaviour – tailored to specific locations:

Town and city centres: Tackling theft, shoplifting, and alcohol-related disorder, alongside efforts to reduce violence against women and girls.

Countryside and coastal areas: A renewed focus on rural crime, including preventing livestock and equipment theft, tackling wildlife crime, and disrupting organised crime networks operating in remote areas.

On the roads: A zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving, reducing road traffic fatalities and serious injuries, and targeting vehicle-related crimes.

Homes and neighbourhoods: Supporting victims, disrupting illegal drug supplies, and improving responses to domestic abuse and residential burglaries.

The plan also sets out how the Commissioner will measure the performance of Devon & Cornwall Police, including improved call waiting times, more accurate crime recording, an increase in public confidence and the force being removed from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire & Rescue Services ‘engage’ status.

Recognising the unique challenges of policing one of the UK’s largest rural areas, the plan introduces measures to protect farmers and rural businesses from theft and ensures all rural thefts are investigated. Wildlife crime and illegal activities in remote areas are a major focus, with support for dedicated rural crime teams, Tri-Service Safety Officers, and rural crime prevention groups.

The plan also prioritises intelligence-sharing to deter organised crime groups from exploiting rural and coastal routes, creating a ‘ring of steel’ to prevent drug trafficking and other illegal activities in these communities.

An emphasis is on protecting women and girls from violence, particularly in homes and town and city centres. It includes measures to prioritise prevention, ensure robust responses to incidents, and improve support for victims. It calls for radical ideas to prevent domestic abuse, violence against women and girls, and child sexual abuse.

Efforts will focus on creating safer spaces through visible policing, increased use of enforcement powers, and partnerships with local organisations to address the root causes of violence.

Antisocial behaviour remains a priority in the new plan, reflecting widespread public concerns about its impact on communities. The plan includes measures to reduce disorder in town centres, address disruptive vehicle use, and combat behaviours that undermine the safety and wellbeing of residents. Key initiatives include visible hotspot patrols and the expansion of the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme, which empowers community partners to support police efforts.

Young people are also a priority, with investment in prevention and diversion programmes designed to reduce their involvement in antisocial behaviour and violence. The plan focuses on early intervention, offering targeted support to those at risk of offending and working with schools to foster respect and responsible behaviour.

Commissioner Hernandez said: “I want a police force that our communities can trust and be proud of; one that is fair, efficient, and relentless in its fight against crime and pursuit of justice. My new plan sets out what I expect from Devon & Cornwall Police over my current term of office, and I will be unrelenting in holding the Chief Constable to account for making the improvements our residents want and deserve to see.

“While Devon and Cornwall remain among the safest places to live and work in the country, I understand the need for policing to focus on the things that matter most to our communities.

“This plan reflects those priorities, addressing repeat offenders, repeat crimes and repeat victims while delivering a consistently high standard of investigation and conduct. From tackling theft and rural crime to reducing antisocial behaviour and improving safety for women and girls, this plan is about building safer, stronger, and more connected communities.

“My commitment is to ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, can trust and have confidence in their police force.”

The plan includes a promise to ensure all residential burglaries are attended by police, enhancing trust and victim support across the region. Increased investment will strengthen partnerships with rural businesses, local councils, and community organisations to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.

Residents are encouraged to engage with the plan and play their part in building safer communities.

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