Police carry out searches at key locations in parts of Cornwall ahead of G7
The force says the checks are a normal part of planning a major event like the summit at Carbis Bay and are nothing to worry about
Last updated 30th Apr 2021
Police have been carrying out searches at key locations in Cornwall ahead of the G7 Summit.
We have been told that the checks are all part of the planning for a major event and 'nothing to worry about'.
Around 5,000 extra officers are being drafted in when world leaders descend on Carbis Bay in June.
The security operation will be the biggest in the history of Devon and Cornwall Police.
"We've had Project Servator officers in high-visible policing uniforms in local areas and you also will have seen some searches starting to take place.
"That is nothing to worry about. This is all part of normal planning for a big event.
"We have now been able to secure 4,000 beds within the Devon and Cornwall area so that's really good news. That means we can securely house our officers, ready to be deployed over the event.
"What we try to do throughout this event is make sure that we can maintain as much of the resources and the business within the local area because it helps our communities. So it's really pleasing that we're able to secure those four thousand beds within the community that we're policing".
Superintendent Jo Hall
What is Project Servator?
Project Servator is the name given to unpredictable, highly visible police deployments, designed to disrupt a wide range of criminal activity, including terrorist.
They involve both uniformed and plain clothes officers who are specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that an individual may have criminal intent.
They are supported by other resources, such as police dogs, ​armed officers, CCTV operators, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and vehicle checkpoints.
The approach relies on police working together with the community – businesses, partners and members of the public – to build a network of vigilance and encourage suspicious activity to be reported.
Devon and Cornwall's Project Servator team have posted several messages on social media, asking locals and visitors to report any suspicious looking activity.
They will be carrying out patrols across the region ahead of the G7 in June, as part of work to reassure communities.
"Our #ProjectServator deployments include plain clothes officers, so we spot you before you spot us. The team don't just stick to the cities and you'll see them popping up in places like Falmouth to give reassurance to our communities as we prepare for the G7 Summit in June".
Devon and Cornwall Police on Instagram
You can read more about Project Servator here.
Four protest sites across the Duchy and Devon, including Lemon Quay in Truro and Church Street Car Park in Falmouth, have been approved.
Space is limited in the St Ives area and therefore police are encouraging anyone who wishes to gather to express their views on the G7 event, to visit either the Falmouth or Truro sites.
They are also looking at areas where protest on the water can be facilitated without presenting a safety or security risk.
"It's important that people can exercise their right to protest legally and peacefully. This should not impact residents and businesses and so we've been working with local councils to agree appropriate protest sites.
"We are aware that some people are making enquiries to police and local authorities about where they could camp in order to maintain a presence close the G7 Summit. Whilst the decisions are not primarily a police matter, we are working closely with partners to ensure we include this in our plans.
"Anyone who wishes to express their views is encouraged to use one of the dedicated sites. As ever, our thinking will be based upon making this a peaceful and safe event for all concerned".
Superintendent Jo Hall
You can read the latest information about policing the G7 on the dedicated website here.
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Four areas in Cornwall and Devon approved as protest sites for the G7 Summit
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