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Award-winner praised for efforts to combat violence against women and young girls

Award-winner praised for efforts to combat violence against women and young girls

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The winner and nominees of this year’s Combating Violence Against Women and Young Girls (VAWG) award at the West Country Women Awards have been praised by Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez for the impact their ongoing efforts are having across the region and far beyond. 

The annual awards, which culminated in a grand final gala dinner in Plymouth last week, saw inspirational women celebrated for a variety of reasons across 20 categories with the most nominations received in the awards history. 

For the fourth year, the Commissioner proudly sponsored and presented the Combating VAWG award. The winner – chosen from a wide range of strong nominees who have all achieved great things to help eradicate this type of violence – was Rebecca Hewitt, strategy and policy manager and chair of South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership (CSP). 

Her passion for protecting women and girls from the harm of men and boys has consistently been a strong theme throughout her 28 years working for Teignbridge District Council.  Great successes have been achieved by combining efforts with other partners from the police to local communities to halt perpetrators in their tracks and change and positively influence behaviours, particularly among young men. 

Commissioner Hernandez said: “We have got a challenge on our hands to halve VAWG within a decade, as set out by the government. With limited funding, it’s about radical ideas and men changing their behaviour and men doing something different. 

“It’s not all men; but it’s largely all women who have been a victim from street harassment to murder. It has become an epidemic and this surge cannot and will not be allowed to continue. 

“I am thankful to the decent men in our society who are supporting efforts to combat VAWG, and I am particularly in awe of the four incredible finalists in this year’s Combating VAWG category at the Westcountry Women’s Awards. 

“People say there must be a standout but these women, as well as all our nominees and those in all the other award categories, are a standout. However, this year we chose Rebecca as our winner because of the crucial role she has played in making women and girls feel safer and, vitally, the efforts to bring about long-lasting change through behaviour change and challenging what has shamefully become the new ‘norm’.” 

Rebecca Hewitt being presented with her aware by Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez (credit: Jim Wileman)
Rebecca Hewitt being presented with her aware by Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez (credit: Jim Wileman)

Rebecca’s long list of achievements within her field includes leading a Let’s Talk programme to engage with parents and carers to raise awareness of safety risks and challenges faced by young people and helping to issue more than 560 community protection warnings (CPWs). These are used to combat antisocial behaviour including issues such as stalking behaviour, up skirting and domestic abuse – with a compliance rate overall of currently 90 per cent.  

She recalled: “A man was reported to be upskirting teenagers on buses. It was very difficult to obtain evidence so, working with the police, we issued a CPW to stop him travelling on buses in the district. There have been no further incidents reported since.  

“Another example is a CPW was issued due to a domestic abuse situation. The perpetrator was prevented from going to the town where the victim lived. They have also been issued in relation to men committing sexual acts in public places.  

“We also collaborate with those working within the night time economy, such as licensees to talk about which individuals are frequenting their business and causing concern. We can then issue a CPW to stop them from being able to enter the town centre during the evenings to prevent further harm. 

“The protective powers of CPW were used when a 15-year-old girl was being exploited by a 23-year-old man who would pick her up in his vehicle to collect drugs. A CPW was issued to prevent him from being able to have any under 18s in his vehicle without parental consent.”  

Explaining that a ‘whole approach’ is taken by the community safety partnership to tackle VAWG, Rebecca said: “A key piece of work – and one we are hoping to promote more – is the Let’s Talk programme which engages with parents and carers. We see them as being an essential part of the solution so by communicating with them as our peers helps e and preventing something from happening early on.  

“We want to expand it to include more resources and will launch a dedicated Let’s Talk website which features our information and videos that offer parents information on key areas of concern. We also want to do more work with dads around positive male modelling, particularly around VAWG and misogyny, and bringing it into family’s conversations.  

“We also want to raise awareness for professionals, particularly those with roles in the community, such as how to spot the signs, where to report and what to do.   

“We have utilised the specialist intervention programme Is This Okay? – developed and delivered by fellow finalist Lucy Rhodes and Space youth service which works with targeted young people to support those who may have been victim to harmful sexual behaviour.  

“We are really excited to be doing a pilot with three primary schools to educate younger boys around harmful sexual behaviours, consent and attitudes. Over six weeks we will be monitoring that journey of increased understanding   

“It’s about equipping people with the tools and techniques to identify when their behaviour is harmful and where to get help and support.”  

Delighted to have received the VAWG award, Rebecca said: “Combating VAWG has always been a passion of mine as too many women in our communities have experienced harmful sexual behaviour. It has become normalised, and we have the ability to bring our communities together to change that.  

“A particular focus of our partnership is around long-term cultural change and being proactive early to prevent more victims experiencing trauma that stays with them for ever 

“I feel massively honoured to have received this award. There are many people who have worked tirelessly alongside me to deliver this work, so I accept this award on behalf of them. Their passion is absolutely inspiring, and I can’t wait to see what we will jointly achieve in the future. 

“I would also like to thank Teignbridge District Council, the South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership and, of course, my family for the support I have received to enable us to focus on this work.”   

This year’s other Combating VAWG finalists were: 

  • Sue Penna – EO and founder of Rock Pool Life C.I.C, from Penzance    
  • Lucy Rhodes – Space Youth Services, from Newton Abbot 
  • Mel Sevieri – former community fundraiser with Trevi, from Plymouth 
South West PCCs and police forces unite to tackle child criminal exploitation across the region 

South West PCCs and police forces unite to tackle child criminal exploitation across the region 

Teenagers from across the South West are being told to ‘Spot the signs’ of child exploitation amid the growing threat of county lines in a targeted TikTok and snapchat advertising campaign.  

The adverts highlight what child criminal exploitation looks like, how to spot the signs and where to get help and support. Links to regional services and helplines will ensure that anyone affected can access help quickly and safely. 

Recognising that these crimes do not stop at borders, Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset and Gloucestershire police forces alongside their respective OPCCs, have combined resources to take a bold stand against exploitation. 

Criminal gangs are increasingly targeting children to transport drugs and cash across county boundaries, using coercion, intimidation and violence. This exploitation can have devastating consequences for young people and their families. 

It is the first time that the South West region has launched a coordinated awareness campaign on TikTok and Snapchat, designed to reach young people where they spend much of their time – online. 

The campaign features short, impactful videos designed specifically for TikTok and Snapchat, using relatable language and visuals to resonate with young audiences.  

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “We continue to work across the five forces in the South West to make our area hostile to drug dealers and to those who coerce or exploit our children.  

“Drug dealers don’t care that it will put them at risk of serious harm, arrest or worse.  

“This important campaign will help inform those around our children, who may have been coerced into committing a crime recognise the signs and encourage them to get help.  

“I also urge parents to be vigilant and don’t be afraid to have a frank conversation with your children about how to spot the dangers of exploitation and to look out for their friends and classmates.  

“Finally, if you have any information relating to children being involved in this, please report it to police on 101, or call 999 if someone is in immediate danger.” 

Any child can be a victim of child criminal exploitation. If you spot any of the following signs within yourself or a friend, you/they could be in danger:  

  • Going missing  
  • Unexplained gifts including money, trainers, clothing, phones  
  • Glued to their phone constantly taking calls or answering texts, or having several mobile phones  
  • Have become friends with new or older people and dropping existing friends  
  • Becoming secretive around their personal life or mobile phone  
  • Unexplained injuries   
  • Stopping attending school or a significant drop in grades  
  • A change in emotional wellbeing 

For more information on child criminal exploitation, please visit Child Criminal Exploitation 

 

 

Clampdown on antisocial behaviour is achieving results across Devon and Cornwall 

Clampdown on antisocial behaviour is achieving results across Devon and Cornwall 

Hotspot Policing began in Devon and Cornwall 18 months ago, with the aim of reducing antisocial behaviour (ASB) and making communities feel safer through extra foot patrols. 

Research shows crime is not evenly spread but concentrated in small clusters, known as hotspots. Of all crime recorded, 58 per cent of it happens in the top 10 per cent of places with the most serious crime. A review of international studies also indicates that hotspot policing is effective and has reduced offending by 17 per cent. 

Consequently, additional resources have been focused on specific areas within our region, where ASB occurs more frequently in accordance with a government formula. 

Patrols are not only conducted by police officers but also uniformed personnel including street marshals and ASB council caseworkers. Working in this way allows the authorities to gather intelligence so action can be taken. 

A great example in Newquay has seen the police joining forces with Cornwall Council last month to enforce a partial closure order on a property in the town centre. 

Residents in the block had been blighted by nuisance and criminal behaviour for many months, while passers-by were also subjected to the impact, as people spilled out of the property and drank alcohol on the streets. 

The three-month closure order provides respite to those living nearby the apartment who were subjected to loud music played daily, drug use and frequent parties during all times of the day and night. 

I am pleased to report that the closure order has been complied with, but once lifted in January, I would like to reassure concerned residents that a full closure order or tenancy removal can be sought if the disruptive behaviour returns.  

Since September 2024, the OPCC has funded a lawyer specifically to help the police in Torbay use all legal powers available to tackle ASB more quickly.  A powerful tool at their disposal is closure orders which shut down a wide range premises including residential homes, businesses and abandoned properties where incidents have been escalating. 

So far, 47 full and partial closure orders and extensions have been issued at residential and business premises. ASB is a scourge on our society that massively impacts hard-working, law-abiding people trying to go about their lives. 

That is why combatting ASB is a key priority for my office and alongside Devon & Cornwall Police, we continually meet with partner agencies and consider any measures that could stamp it out. 

Partnership working is not just something we talk about, it is something we do. 

The collaboration required to enforce a closure order demonstrates the need for a joined-up approach because by communicating effectively and pulling in the same direction, all partner agencies can achieve better results for the people who matter, residents of Devon and Cornwall. 

Across our region, 16 towns and cities are benefitting from additional foot patrols as part of the Hotspot Policing project, funded by my office and central government.  

Between April and September this year, nearly 7,000 extra hours of patrols took place – or 290 hours each week. 

This is designed to identify perpetrators and drive down levels of ASB in areas that data says are high offending zones; and it has worked. During the six-month period, 160 stop searches and 107 arrests were made on additional patrols.  

Despite acknowledging there are issues with ASB that we must continue to clamp down on, it is important to have perspective. We live in a wonderful part of the country and are among the top five safest places to live. 

If you are experiencing ASB in your community or want to raise concerns with the police, please report them on the police website. If a crime is taking place, call 999. 

If you’ve reported ASB more than three times in the last six months to any agency and had no action then you can request an ASB case review via your local council. This ensures all agencies speak to each other and take action to address your concerns. 

To watch the video of the closure order being enforced, please click here. 

Police Crime Commissioner launches new Your Voice in Policing – VIP –podcast series 

Police Crime Commissioner launches new Your Voice in Policing – VIP –podcast series 

A brand-new podcast series is being launched by Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez with the first episode featuring Mayor of Camborne James Ball who speaks candidly about his battle with mental health and the great work he’s doing to improve life for young people in the community. 

Insights into daily life in the town are also shared by members of the public as well as local Inspector Lou Brown and antisocial behaviour (ASB) officer Kay Smith who talk about their work to make Camborne a better place for everyone. 

Called Your VIP (Your Voice in Policing) – a reference to the Commissioner’s vital role of acting on behalf of the public to be their voice in policing – each episode will be recorded on location from the OPCC engagement van and will feature a ‘VIP’ guest interviewed by hosts Commissioner Hernandez and Ben Woolvin, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner head of communications and public affairs. 

The aim is to give a greater insight into the work of the police as well as key people who play pivotal roles in combatting crime and keeping residents safe in their local communities. 

The first episode, available to listen to now on Spotify, was recorded in Camborne during a visit to launch a project called Street Focus which aims to improve safety in town and city centres.  

The project brings partners together to intensify “outstanding” efforts that reduce crime and ASB, support local businesses and invest in opportunities for young people. 

VIP guest councillor Ball shares his inspirational story about how he overcame his mental health struggles after ending up in a wheelchair and how becoming a town councillor for Camborne three-and-a-half years ago, giving him a new purpose. 

Cllr Ball helped set up and runs a youth club in the town and has a passion for empowering young people by making sure their voices are heard at all levels. He is keen to tackle issues of street drinkers, drug dealing and ASB in the town. 

In the podcast he said: “We’ve done a lot of work with the town council, Cornwall Council, the police and ASB officers. From 12 to 18 months ago to where we are now, it’s a huge difference.” 

He continued: “It was intimidating to come into the town. I’ve even had a street drinker jump on the back of my wheelchair and break the back of it. Now, people stop me going up through the town saying, ‘thank you so much for the work that you’ve done and because Camborne is starting to feel safer I can come in my town again.” 

Cllr Ball reaped praise upon the power of collaborative partnership efforts including Camborne Town Council, Cornwall Council, police, street marshals, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), Neighbourhood Watch and Crimestoppers. 

He also acknowledged the impact of having Camborne ASB officer Kay Smith. She is employed by Cornwall Council and her role is partly funded by the OPCC.  

During her 18 months in the role, in which she is supported by the police, she has been credited with bringing about significant improvements by being out on the streets day after day dealing with issues such as street drinkers and helping to secure closure orders on premises with ongoing ASB issues. 

Sector Inspector for Camborne Lou Brown also reveals the efforts being made by police to combat crime. 

In the podcast, she said: “We are one of the busiest sectors in Cornwall.” 

Making a plea, she added: “Please let the police know what’s going on. We will always try to do our best and, get to those crime reports and, update you on what’s going on, where we can.” 

During the episode, the Commissioner also answers questions from the public and will continue to do so in future podcasts. 

She said: “It never ceases to amaze me the incredible efforts made by people in both a paid for and voluntary capacity to help keep our communities safe. Individuals who frequently go above and beyond deserve to be recognised and that is why I am launching a podcast series to shine the spotlight on some of those I have had the pleasure to meet while serving as your Police and Crime Commissioner. 

“I hope Your VIP gives you a positive glimpse into the good work that is being done to create a better world for us all.” 

To view the podcast, please click here. 

Tackling knife crime to make our streets safer must begin with early education 

Tackling knife crime to make our streets safer must begin with early education 

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Headlines highlighting knife crime and the devastating impact it has on victims, families and wider communities who longer feel safe cannot and will not be accepted as the societal norm. 

Thankfully, in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, knife attacks are relatively rare – but they do occur and every single one that takes place is one too many. 

According to Devon & Cornwall Police data, in the 12 months to October 2025, there were 2,979 incidents of recorded knife related crime. It represents a 1.8 per cent decrease compared with the year prior. 

Further force figures for the year 2024-25, delving further into knife incidents also show decreases. There were 697 knife harm offences recorded between November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025 – an 8.8 per cent reduction compared with the previous year. 

In terms of knife possession offences, for 2024-25 there were 631 incidents – a 12.2 per cent reduction.  

These decreases are said to be attributed to positive multiagency working with the force, OPCC, education, local authorities, and many more partners. 

The figures do not always tell the whole story because of the link between the amount of police activity, including ‘stop and search’, and the number of recorded incidents. 

To help tackle knife crime, last week Devon & Cornwall Police launched a new knife crime website called #NotTheOne which is part of a national partnership-led campaign that aims to educate 11 to 16-year-olds on the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife. 

Importantly, it also targets teachers, parents, friends and family who all play a hugely vital role in positively influencing young people’s lives and stop them being drawn into knife crime. 

It also includes supportive conversations and sensitively sharing videos of two victims of knife crime and the parent of a knife crime victim. It is through people bravely sharing their experiences of the devastating impact of knife crime that will help make vital cultural behaviour changes to protect young children and future generations from becoming victims. 

At our force’s website launch, which took place at Bodmin College, students were given a talk by Becky Dustan, the sister of Michael Riddiough-Allen who was murdered in 2023 when he was stabbed outside a nightclub in Bodmin and four others were also injured. The 32-year-old intervened to protect others from the perpetrator, but his heroic actions tragically cost him his life. 

Had the attacker not chosen to carry a knife with him that night, the devastating chain of events would never have taken place. 

In honour of his memory and to try and tackle knife crime, his family have set up a charity called Mike’s Trust. I have so much admiration for Becky who has changed careers from being a primary school teacher to educate young people about knife crime. 

This selfless work has the potential to save lives – not only of those who could become victims but also possible perpetrators who instead go on to lead crime free lives. 

Efforts being carried out by Devon & Cornwall Police also need to be applauded, which include having established a knife crime working group. It helps deliver the force’s ongoing activity around national knife crime as well as intensification weeks called Operation Sceptre which take place every six months. 

During those weeks, targeted action has included test knife purchases – supported by our volunteer police cadets – to ensure Challenge 25 checks are being carried out; a wide range of covert activity, and efforts to interrupt the supply of weapons, including taking down online purchase sites; and youth engagement. 

To help with the latter, my office has invested £6,000 to deliver additional knife arches – walkthrough metal detectors – which are used on a regular basis by neighbourhood teams. 

Interestingly, a report recently published by Demos which sought the views of more than 700 young people on a wide range of topics, found that knife crime is the most commonly raised concern. They spoke about feeling unsafe and wanting it to be taken more seriously, especially by politicians. 

Knife crime is a serious issue in the UK and my office and I remain committed to supporting efforts to tackle it while I remain Police and Crime Commissioner for our region. 

Carrying a knife can lead to a maximum penalty of four years in prison and an unlimited fine and crucially, the possibility that you could end up taking someone’s life. 

If you know anyone who is carrying a knife, please take action in one of the following ways:  

  • Knife surrender bins are now permanently situated in local police stations across the region so that the public can surrender knives safely and discreetly at any time. Information about where knife surrender bins can be found at: dc.police.uk/peo 
  • If anyone has concerns about someone they know who carries a knife, or about knife crime in their community, we encourage them to report it to us at dc.police.uk/tua
  • People can report any information anonymously to CrimeStoppers UK on 0800 555111. Your information could help save a life
  • Retailers can visit this website for guidance on selling knives: www.nbcc.police.uk/knifeguidance 
  • The #NotTheOne website can be found here

 

 

 

 

 

Redeployment of officers to frontline roles a vital part of plan to strengthen policing 

Redeployment of officers to frontline roles a vital part of plan to strengthen policing 

The confirmation of 121 police officers being brought into frontline roles across Devon and Cornwall has been welcomed by Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez.  

Details of how this will be achieved are due to be shared by Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan at a meeting of the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel today, November 21, in Plymouth.  

Mr Vaughan says 71 officers will have joined existing patrol teams, by the end of the year, followed by an additional 50 by the end of March 2026.   

This strengthening of the front line is being achieved in three ways:   

  • Redeployment of experienced officers  
  • Transferring officers from other forces  
  • Recruitment of new officers   

The force is also increasing the strength of its neighbourhood teams with the addition of 50 police officers in neighbourhood policing roles and the ongoing recruitment of 50 new police community support officers (PCSOs).  

Mr Vaughan said: “Since I became Chief Constable, I have been committed to building the numbers of officers working in frontline roles across Devon and Cornwall to help the Police and Crime Commissioner deliver her Police and Crime Plan objectives, and build our neighbourhood policing capacity as part of the government’s aim to increase community focused policing.  

“That is now being achieved through the reviews and changes that have, at times, been difficult but necessary to improve frontline resilience. However, it is vital that we don’t stand still.   

“We know that once we have stabilised our patrol numbers we will need to continue to maintain our frontline strength across the force.  Therefore, we are doing additional work that will help us to ensure that our resources are in the right place both now and in the future.  

“We will be continuing to look for recruits over the coming months, particularly to the roles of police officers and PCSOs, and I would encourage anyone who would like to help us keep our beautiful counties safe to come forward and join us.”  

Commissioner Hernandez, who has long been calling for more officers to be deployed in frontline roles, said: “The one thing people repeatedly tell me is that they want to see more police on our streets to make them feel safer and deter crimes from taking place.   

“I am delighted that the force’s plans to strengthen frontline policing are now coming to fruition under the leadership of the Chief Constable.  

“I will continue to monitor how the force maintains policing numbers, particularly foot patrols in our communities.”  

For more details about the latest Devon & Cornwall Police vacancies, please visit Careers within Devon & Cornwall Police | Devon & Cornwall Police  

 

 

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