Record 999 calls to Devon and Cornwall police

Tourists should "respect communities"

Tourists coming to Devon are being urged to respect communities here over the Bank Holiday. The county's expected to be at full capacity, according to tourism bosses.

But with tourists come problems. Devon and Cornwall police says they're getting up to 1,200 calls to the 999 service every day, and a 13 per cent increase on the same period last August. Incidents of anti-social behaviour across the force rose through the month too.

Environmental anti-social behaviour (ASB)– such as littering, fly tipping and wild camping – has now seen 240 reports to police, up 29 per cent on the same period in 2019. Nuisance ASB has seen 2,091 reports, up more than 20 per cent on 2019, and personal ASB – often drink related – has seen 1,187 reports which is up more than 23 per cent on 2019.

Public order offences, again often drink related, are up more than 32 per cent in August with 59 incidents reported across the force over the last weekend alone.

Assistant chief constable Glen Mayhew said: “Demand on police and all emergency services, including HM Coastguard, has been enormous during August. We had undertaken significant planning for a busy summer and I’m immensely proud of how all the agencies have responded to this challenge.

“Sadly, we have seen tragedy on the coastline, and I want to remind people to respect the water and to use beaches where we have lifeguards. We have also experienced tragedy on the roads and during what will be a weekend of high volumes of traffic remind people to take extra time and extra care.”

“The levels of ASB and public order offences are entirely unacceptable. Drink related issues have been particularly prevalent but are avoidable if people remember their limits and act responsibly. We do not want the weekend ruined by inconsiderate actions”

“Covid-19 has not gone away and remains a very real threat in our communities. Face coverings are mandatory on public transport, takeaways, shops and enclosed public spaces such as museums, galleries and cinemas as well as places of worship. We would ask everyone to respect each other and maintain social distancing whenever possible. Together, we can all enjoy the weekend with the favourable weather.”