Police push for community safety zones in four towns impacted by crime, including Newquay

Devon and Cornwall Police would like to see the introduction of community safety zones in four Cornish areas where there is a concentration of crime – including violent disorder, anti-social behaviour and sexual offences – near pubs and clubs.

The police’s suggestion of pursuing community safety zones with Cornwall Council was discussed at a licensing committee meeting this week - when councillors unanimously agreed to renew Cumulative Impact Assessments (CIA) in Newquay, Truro, Falmouth and Penzance.

CIAs are areas where the council has determined that the impact of a concentration of licensed premises is having a serious detrimental impact upon the prevention of crime, disorder and public nuisance.

There is a risk that crime and disorder may increase in the cumulative impact areas if the policies are not in place.

The  assessments are required to be reviewed at least every three years to determine whether they should be maintained, amended or removed. However, the meeting was told that due to a delay in the evidence being submitted by the police, the assessments were not reviewed within the three-year period in accordance with the legislation and had therefore lapsed.

The Licensing Act committee agreed to renew the four CIAs in Cornwall following a forthcoming period of public consultation. The assessments mean that premises licence applications which are likely to add to the existing impact in an area will normally be refused or be subject to certain limitations, unless the applicant can demonstrate that there will be no negative impact on the licensing objectives.

The police indicated that they support the council exploring a future transition to Community Safety Zones, which is “a more proactive partnership-based approach that focuses on managing risks through partnership, operator responsibility and safety initiatives rather than relying on a presumption to refuse new licences through Cumulative Impact Assessment policies”.

The police noted that the Community Safety Zones approach supports the economy while maintaining safety but moves away from “a negative presumption of refusal with Cumulative Impact policies”.

The licensing committee agreed to discuss the possibility of moving to Community Safety Zones at a future meeting.

Newquay’s CIA contains Narrowcliff, Trelawney and Chynance Drive, Newquay town centre, Fistral and Headland and Tretherras.

The CIA areas with high levels of cumulative vulnerability and recorded crime:

Falmouth

The Moor, High Street and Trevethan Road as well as the Falmouth Church area and Arwenack Street. These areas have above average rates of recorded crime, including sexual offences and violence with injury as well as higher rates of anti-social behaviour incidents.

Penzance

Wharfside, St Clare and town centre. These areas have high levels of recorded crime, including sexual offences, violence with injury and hate crime as well as higher rates of anti-social behaviour incidents. The areas also have high rates of residents engaged with drugs and domestic abuse services.

Truro

The city centre area including River Street, Victoria Gardens and areas around Truro Cathedral and Truro Health Park. These areas have high levels of recorded crime, including sexual offences, violence with injury and hate crime as well as higher rates of anti-social behaviour incidents. The areas also have high rates of residents engaged with drugs and domestic abuse services.

Newquay

Town centre and Narrowcliff areas. They both have high levels of police recorded crime including sexual offences, violence with injury and hate crime as well as higher rates of anti-social behaviour incidents. The areas also have high rates of residents engaged with drugs and domestic abuse services.

Data from the police shows the incidents and types of crime recorded in the towns’ CIA.

In 2025/26, there were 317 crimes recorded in the Newquay CIA (255 violent crimes, eight cases of drunkenness, 83 public order offences, 14 robberies and 11 sexual offences). In Truro, the overall figure was 328 crimes (219 violent crimes, seven cases of drunkenness, 91 public order offences, four robberies and seven sexual offences).

In Falmouth, the overall figure was 235 crimes (172 violent crimes, four cases of drunkenness, 32 public order offences, three robberies and 24 sexual offences). In Penzance, the overall figure was 393 crimes (237 violent crimes, three cases of drunkenness, 119 public order offences, 15 robberies and 19 sexual offences).

The police report states: “Devon and Cornwall Police continue to be impressed by the level of multi-agency working which has been taking place within Cornwall, which has been growing from strength to strength. These agencies include the local authority, Safer Cornwall, Pubwatch, licensees, security companies, street marshalls, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), street pastors, higher education establishments and the different departments within the police.

“The recent introduction of Best Bar None and the summer night bus service in Newquay has helped to contribute to the reduction in recorded crime and incidents in the town.”

Best Bar None is a national scheme which helps customers identify well-run pubs, bars, clubs and other venues that serve alcohol.

During the meeting, Cllr Brian Clemo said: “I think it’s dangerous not to have any restrictions. They have worked quite well in those densely populated areas.”

“In Falmouth, we’ve got a vibrant nightlife which is going further into the night – until 3am or 4am – and we have residents who live in that area, so I think it is something that Falmouth does need,” added Cllr David Saunby.