On Thursday, 9th January, Inspector Greg Hodgkiss and PC Michael Lenehan of Devon and Cornwall Police attended the Forrabury and Minster Parish Council meeting to discuss policing in Boscastle and the surrounding area. The meeting provided an opportunity for the Police to share their priorities, present crime statistics, and listen to concerns raised by Councillors and members of the public.
The Police shared that 79 crimes have been reported in the PL35 area since January 2021. These include 19 assaults, 14 cases of criminal damage, 9 thefts, and other offences. Despite these figures, it became clear during the meeting that many crimes, particularly anti-social behaviour and vandalism, are not being reported. Public feedback highlighted that this under-reporting is often due to concerns that policing resources are better spent on more serious offences or fears of becoming a target for further crime.
One example raised by residents was an incident along Paradise Road, where Christmas tree lights were deliberately cut on the evening of Sunday, 5th January. Another concern involved graffiti that had appeared overnight on the electrical substation and BT Openreach cabinets in the Potters Lane and Clover Lane Close areas of the parish. Incidents like these, while reported to the Police, highlight the ongoing issues of anti-social behaviour in the community.
The Council also expressed concerns about the new policy to switch off streetlights between midnight and 5am, noting that this does not align with the parish’s safety needs. Inspector Hodgkiss acknowledged these concerns and said:
“I do acknowledge that some people are concerned that a change in the street lighting schedule may have an adverse effect on anti-social behaviour and crime. The Neighbourhood Policing Team will monitor figures for reported crime and incidents of anti-social behaviour in their respective areas across the sector, and I will feed back any results, including to the Senior Leadership Team in Cornwall BCU.”
The Police emphasised the importance of reporting all crimes, regardless of their perceived seriousness. As they operate on a reactive and intelligence-led model, unreported crimes cannot inform resource allocation or address recurring issues. Inspector Hodgkiss explained:
“Every report helps us build a clearer picture of the issues affecting your community. Reporting even minor crimes is crucial to ensuring we can provide the right resources, presence, and deterrence.”
The meeting also outlined policing priorities for the sector, which currently include tackling drug supply, shoplifting, and persistent anti-social behaviour. These priorities are reviewed regularly to reflect changing trends and demands.
Throughout the meeting, Councillors and members of the public voiced concerns about the rise in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in and around the parish. These issues have contributed to a growing sense of unease among residents. The Police took these concerns seriously and reiterated the importance of reporting incidents to help build a safer community.
Residents were also encouraged to take part in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s ongoing survey,‘Your Safety, Your Say’, which seeks input from the local community on policing priorities. The survey can be accessed at devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk.
For more information on reporting crimes or to stay updated on local policing matters, please visit the Devon and Cornwall Police website https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/
