Penzance

Sep212026

Shoplifting: The story behind the statistics

Last week, the BBC shone a spotlight on shoplifting across Devon and Cornwall, highlighting the experiences of retailers who face theft, abuse and, in some cases, violence simply for doing their jobs.

One shopkeeper in Torquay described being dragged across a counter after refusing to serve a customer. It is a stark reminder that shoplifting is not a victimless crime. Behind every incident is a business owner, a member of staff or a customer, affected by the consequences.

As Police and Crime Commissioner, tackling retail crime has been a priority for me because I know the impact it has on our town centres, high streets and communities.

Many people are surprised to hear that Devon and Cornwall continues to have one of the lowest rates of shoplifting in the country, ranking seventh lowest nationally. In the year to March 2026, recorded shoplifting offences fell by 9.1 per cent, from 11,142 offences to 10,124.

However, when we talk about shoplifting, statistics only tell part of the story.

For years, retailers told me that reporting theft was often too time-consuming and that they lacked confidence that anything would happen as a result. When crime goes unreported, police cannot build a clear picture of offending, identify repeat offenders or target resources effectively.

That is why I have supported initiatives that make it easier for businesses to report crime and share information.

Earlier this month, my office visited Liskeard to meet Police Community Support Officer Rebecca Steed and see first-hand how businesses and police are using the UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC) system.

The UKPAC system is an online portal, also available as a smartphone app, that enables businesses to easily report crimes and share intelligence, empowering communities to work together against persistent and repeat offenders.

During the visit, Rebecca demonstrated how retailers can quickly submit incidents, images and CCTV footage, allowing information to be shared with police and neighbouring businesses far more efficiently than traditional reporting methods. She explained that the system is helping businesses report incidents that may previously have gone unrecorded, while giving officers a clearer intelligence picture of repeat offenders operating across an area.

She also highlighted how access to timely information supports neighbourhood policing, helping officers identify patterns of offending and respond more effectively to concerns raised by local retailers.

I was asked during a BBC interview this week whether UKPAC acts as a deterrent. The answer is yes, but only up to a point. Most people are deterred by the risk of being caught, but repeat offenders are often not Those already committed to a life of crime are often not. That’s why making it easier to report offences is so important. It helps police identify prolific offenders, build evidence against them and take action to prevent them causing further harm.

This is why it is important to look beyond the headline numbers. Sometimes increased reporting does not mean more crime is taking place. It means victims are coming forward, evidence is being captured and businesses have greater confidence that action can be taken. That is exactly what we want to see.

Alongside the firm action to prosecute those who are stealing from businesses, we also need to tackle the root causes of shoplifting. Often repeat offenders are battling drug and alcohol addiction and trying to overcome mental health problems. That’s why I am such an advocate of organisations that work to deliver effective treatment for addiction and it’s why I would encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for support.

Across Devon and Cornwall, shoplifting remains one of the most common theft offences reported to police, accounting for more than 10,000 offences in the year to March 2026. But by making reporting easier and strengthening partnerships between retailers and police, we are building a much clearer picture of the challenges businesses face.

The BBC’s coverage last week demonstrated the reality of retail crime for many hardworking shop owners and their staff. It also showed why we must continue supporting the tools, technology and local policing teams that help tackle offending and protect businesses.

There is still more to do, but I am encouraged by the progress being made. Better reporting, stronger partnerships and a focus on prolific offenders are helping us turn information into action.

Sep172026

Police Property Act fund opens for applications across Cornwall

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Community groups and charities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are being invited to apply for support from the Police Property Act Fund, with a new round of funding now open.

The fund, administered by Cornwall Community Foundation on behalf of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), uses money generated through the sale of property seized by police and authorised for disposal by the courts. This year, funding will focus on supporting grassroots organisations tackling the root causes of anti-social behaviour and helping people who may be struggling to find a positive way forward.

The fund has already helped make a difference to communities across Cornwall. In 2025, grants totalling £37,750 were awarded to eight organisations delivering projects designed to prevent harm, improve wellbeing and create safer communities.

Projects supported included West Cornwall Women’s Aid’s 16 Days of Activism programme, which engaged more than 1,300 people through community events and activities and reached more than 30,000 people online. First Light South West received funding for its HappyHealthyLove digital prevention programme, which provided young people, parents and educators with information about healthy relationships, consent and abuse prevention, attracting more than 67,000 webpage views.

The fund has a proven track record of supporting projects that reduce anti-social behaviour and create opportunities. Previous grants have enabled St Petrocs to deliver its Freshfield Drug Diversionary Project, supporting people experiencing homelessness to reduce substance misuse by providing access to counselling, skills training and community activities. Funding has also helped Bodmin Amateur Boxing Club provide free sessions and equipment for young people who might otherwise be unable to participate, with beneficiaries reporting improved wellbeing, stronger community connections and a reduced likelihood of engaging in anti-social behaviour.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said:

“The Police Property Act Fund transforms the proceeds of crime into opportunities that benefit local people and communities.

“By supporting organisations that work directly with those most at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour, or who need help to overcome challenges in their lives, we can make a lasting difference. These local groups understand the needs of their communities and are often best placed to provide early support and positive opportunities.

“I have seen first-hand the impact previous grants have had across Cornwall, helping charities and community organisations deliver projects that build confidence, improve wellbeing and make communities safer. I would encourage eligible organisations to apply.”

Tamas Haydu, Chief Executive Officer, Cornwall Community Foundation:

said: “We’re delighted to be working together to launch another round of funding through the Police Property Act Fund. This time, the funding will focus on supporting grassroots organisations tackling the root causes of anti-social behaviour and helping people who may be struggling to find a way forward.

“By investing in local organisations that understand their communities and are best placed to make a difference, we can help create positive opportunities, build stronger communities and, ultimately, contribute to happier, safer places across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

Applications in Cornwall are now open through Cornwall Community Foundation. Eligible organisations are encouraged to apply and can find further information about funding priorities, eligibility criteria and application deadlines at Police Property Act 2026 – Grant | Cornwall Community Foundation.

The Police Property Act Fund also supports projects in Devon through Devon Community Foundation, which administers the programme separately through its own grants process.

Key dates

Applications open: Now
Application deadline: 21 October 2026
Assessment panel: Early December 2026
Grant decisions announced: Mid-December 2026
Estimated grant payments: Mid-December 2026

Sep142026

Victim-Centred Week reinforces commitment to putting victims first

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Last week I was pleased to see colleagues from across Devon and Cornwall come together for the second annual Victim-Centred Week, hosted by our Victim Care Unit (VCU).

As Police and Crime Commissioner, one of my priorities is ensuring victims receive the support, information and respect they deserve. The VCU, which is funded by my office, supports nearly 20,000 victims every year and plays a vital role in helping people navigate what can often be one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Victim-Centred Week was an opportunity to shine a spotlight on that work, while reminding us that victims can often be neglected and overlooked, not only in policing but across the wider criminal justice system.

Throughout the week, officers, staff and partner organisations explored a range of topics, including understanding victims’ rights and support services,restorative justice, modern slavery investigations, and the role of Family Liaison Officers.

Sessions highlighted how every interaction, from the first report through to the conclusion of a case, can shape a victim’s confidence in the whole criminal justice process.

A particular highlight was the Restorative Justice Summit hosted by the High Sheriff of Devon. Restorative justice remains one of the rights available to victims under the Victims’ Code, yet it is often misunderstood and underused. Bringing together professionals from across policing, victim services and the criminal justice sector to discuss how we can better promote and deliver restorative justice was an important step forward.

Restorative Justice gives people harmed by crime the opportunity, where appropriate and facilitated by trained practitioners under carefully controlled conditions, to engage in a dialogue with the person responsible after sentencing. It gives victims a chance to ask questions, explain the impact of the crime and seek answers, while giving offenders the opportunity to understand the consequences of their actions and take responsibility. The process can be transformational for both parties.

The week concluded with a powerful session exploring the impact of sharing lived experience. Victims and survivors who share their experiences do so with tremendous courage. Their stories help challenge assumptions, improve understanding and shape the services designed to support others.

What struck me most was the message that listening alone is not enough.

The purpose of sharing lived experience is not simply to tell a story. It is about helping us understand the real impact of crime, challenging our assumptions and encouraging meaningful change. It is about asking ourselves what we will do differently as a result. I want to thank all the victims who personally speak with me to ensure I do not lose focus.

Victim Care Manager, Sarah West, helped co-ordinate the week and said afterwards that this year’s Victim-Centred Week has been about listening to lived experience and turning that learning into action.

Sarah and her team received positive feedback throughout the week, with attendees highlighting the value of learning more about victims’ rights, specialist support services and the practical steps they can take to improve the results for victims.

We’ve seen colleagues from across policing and partner organisations come together to better understand victims’ rights, the support available and the role they play in delivering good victim care.

Victim-Centred Week demonstrated that delivering better results for victims is not solely the responsibility of the police. It requires policing, victim support services and criminal justice partners to work together to ensure victims are listened to, informed and supported throughout the often difficult and protracted justice process. This is why we have produced an essential guide for anyone who needs to report a crime to the police and are seeking justice. It is called Criminal Justice and You.

It has real people working across the justice system in Devon and Cornwall explaining their role, with subtitles, sign language and audio which is accessible to all.

Criminal Justice and You – Your Voice in Policing

Sep112026

Chief Constable to lead police force for a further two years

opccNews

Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez, has confirmed that Chief Constable James Vaughan has agreed to remain in role ensuring stable leadership of Devon & Cornwall Police until August 2028.

The contract extension means Mr Vaughan will remain in post beyond the government’s plans to abolish the Police and Crime Commissioner’s role in May 2028.

Commissioner Hernandez said: “I am delighted that Chief Constable James Vaughan has agreed to stay on until August 2028.

“Since taking up the role of Chief Constable in December 2024, James has provided strong and effective leadership during a period of significant change for Devon & Cornwall Police.

“Under his leadership, we have seen important cultural improvements within the organisation that are now translating into tangible improvements in performance and service delivery for our communities.

“The force is no longer subject to enhanced monitoring by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, we are seeing improvements in 101 and 999 call answering times, and Operation Resolve is returning more officers to frontline policing where they are needed most.

“These are important achievements and demonstrate the progress being made across the force.

“I know many share my view that James’ decision to continue serving the people of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is extremely welcome news.

“While there remains much work to do, I am confident that the force will continue to benefit from James’ experience, commitment and leadership over the next two years.”

Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “I am honoured to continue serving as Chief Constable of Devon & Cornwall Police and grateful for the confidence the Police and Crime Commissioner has placed in me.

“While there is still more work to do, we have made important progress together thanks to the dedication and professionalism of our officers, staff and volunteers.

“We are improving the service we provide to the public, strengthening our performance and continuing to build trust and confidence in policing.

“I look forward to working with colleagues and partners over the next two years as we continue to tackle crime, protect vulnerable people and deliver the high-quality policing service our communities deserve.”

Mr Vaughan was appointed in December 2024 and has led a programme of organisational improvement focused on strengthening performance, rebuilding public confidence and improving outcomes for communities across the force area.

The contract extension provides continuity of leadership as Devon & Cornwall Police continues its work to improve services for the public while tackling crime and protecting vulnerable people across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Sep82026

Police reform must strengthen accountability, not weaken it, says Commissioner

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Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Alison Hernandez has said a report issued today by the policing inspectorate highlights exactly why police reform must strengthen, not weaken, local accountability.

As Government considers significant changes to policing governance, the Commissioner warned that abolishing police and crime commissioners and transferring responsibilities into wider local government structures and plans to create fewer, much larger forces will make it harder for forces to drive improvement, reduce the public’s influence over policing and leave victims with a weaker voice in the system.

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary’s State of Policing: The Annual Assessment of Policing in England and Wales 2025-26 report found that too many forces continue to face challenges in areas that matter most to victims, including crime investigations, victim updates and public contact.

Commissioner Hernandez said: “The findings of this report make clear that policing still has significant work to do to improve investigations, provide better support for victims and deliver the high standards of service the public pay for and have every right to expect.

“In Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, 43% of the funding for the police comes from local council taxpayers, with the rest of the money coming from central government.”

The Commissioner said she has seen and experienced first-hand the strength and experience of leadership required to drive improvement across a force serving one of the largest geographic areas in England.

“Where improvement has been achieved, it has been driven by strong leadership of the Chief Constable, clear accountability and sustained focus. Those are precisely the things we should be strengthening through police reform, not weakening,” she said.

“Firstly, the government needs to rethink its plans to move to fewer, larger police forces and rule out the idea of creating a south west mega force.

“Devon and Cornwall is already an extremely large police force and there is no evidence that making it part of an even bigger police force would be in the best interests of the public or policing.

“Remote leadership with less understanding of local context will leave rural areas at risk of under-resourcing and the scale of disruption and costs of transition will lead to reductions in service for many years at a time when we need, as highlighted by the inspectorate today, to focus on improving the services that policing provides to the public.”

The Commissioner’s concerns around compelling Devon and Cornwall to merge with other police forces are shared by residents, with 72% of the 1,600 people who responded to the Commissioner’s recent public survey voicing their opposition to a merger.

The report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate comes a day after it was announced that the Government was putting local government reorganisation on hold pending a review of plans to merge councils across the country. The green light had previously been given to expand councils serving Plymouth, Torbay and Exeter, with the rest of Devon forming a separate authority.

Commissioner Hernandez said the pause to local government reorganisation would mean more uncertainty about who or what will be responsible for police governance when police and crime commissioners are abolished in May 2028.

The government has previously said it is planning to transfer responsibilities currently held by police and crime commissioners to directly elected mayors or, in areas where that isn’t possible, to a Police and Crime Board attended by the leaders of the largest councils in an area.

“Now more than ever, many local authorities remain unclear about their own future structures and responsibilities. It is both fundamentally the wrong time, and unfair on them, to ask councils to take on the hugely complex world of police governance and accountability, together with the extensive legal responsibilities that come with it,” said Commissioner Hernandez.

“Policing itself is currently grappling with some of the most difficult challenges it has faced in decades, including rising calls for service, increasing violent crime, workforce retention and the need to reduce bureaucracy across the criminal justice system. The public needs policing to be held to account by a body whose sole purpose is to do exactly that.

“My fear is that decision-making will become slower because it will be in the hands of many leaders, rather than a clearly accountable individual with a singular focus, and the public’s voice will become even more distant from those leading the service.

“The lesson from this report is not that we need to weaken local accountability. It is that we need stronger leadership, stronger scrutiny and an unwavering focus on delivering swifter justice for victims and communities. I urge the new Prime Minister and his team to think again and to focus on delivering what the public needs from policing.”

Sep82026

Key players in Devon and Cornwall’s criminal justice system meet

opccNews

The barriers that mean only an estimated four in every 1,000 crimes in Devon and Cornwall reach the Restorative Justice system will come under scrutiny at a summit today.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has welcomed the summit which is being hosted by Devon’s High Sheriff Mark Ansell, who has made Restorative Justice the focus of his year in office and is bringing together key stakeholders from across the criminal justice system to look at how to increase the numbers of victims and offenders accessing it.

Former business leader and entrepreneur Mark Ansell wants the summit to end the day with a practical plan for increasing access to Restorative Justice across Devon and Cornwall.

The High Sheriff, Devon and Cornwall Police’s Chief Constable, James Vaughan, Commissioner Hernandez, and the charity Make Amends which administers Restorative Justice in the region, will lead the day. They will be joined by representatives from the police, courts, prisons, support services, youth justice services and councils, and people who have experienced the process following crime.

Key facts about Restorative Justice (RJ)

National

A report by the University of Sheffield evaluating seven Cambridge University-led experiences in RJ found that it reduces reoffending by up to 27%. Government figures show currently 80% of crime is reoffending.
Economic evaluation by the charity Why Me? shows that for every £1 spent on RJ, £14 is saved from the wider public purse.
The right to be offered RJ is now written in to the 2024 Victims Code.

Regional

Referrals for RJ can be made from a variety of sources as well as the police. These include prisons, the youth justice service, councils, the NHS, education settings and other support services.
Make Amends, the charity that oversees the Restorative Justice provision in Devon and Cornwall, received 94 referrals through the criminal justice system last year (2025 – 26). The previous year 2024 – 25 there were 89 referrals, and in 2023 – 24 there were 51. 18 referrals have been made so far this year (NOTE as above, other services outside the criminal justice system also refer cases).

Mark Ansell, High Sheriff of Devon, said: “There is no doubt in my mind that Devon and Cornwall are already at the national forefront of demonstrating how to implement an effective structure for Restorative Justice.

“Yet despite all the research and data showing that RJ is good for victims and offenders and can be transformational for both, and is great value for taxpayers, despite RJ being a clearly articulated right in the Victim Code for all victims of crime, despite excellent RJ practitioners Make Amends being in place in Devon and Cornwall funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, despite Devon and Cornwall Police having a nationally-respected dedicated RJ Coordinator in place and a good referral process…..right now an RJ process is activated in Devon and Cornwall in an estimated less than 4 in 1,000 cases.

“After seeing the brilliant play PUNCH at Theatre Royal Plymouth together in April, the Chief Constable, the Police and Crime Commissioner and I agreed that less than the estimated 4 in 1000 in Devon and Cornwall should and could be changed to more than 4 in 100. Crucially, this is about empowering victims of crime. While we understand in some instances there’s no suspect, or the victim doesn’t want to go ahead, or other reasons why it doesn’t happen, we all think RJ can and should happen more. It will be exciting and, I hope, significant, to bring most of the key players in RJ in Devon and Cornwall together in one room with the aim of coming up with an action plan to move things forward. There is no reason why Devon and Cornwall can’t be the national template for best practice. We appreciate it will take time, but this is an important start and we owe it to victims of crime to genuinely give them the opportunity of Restorative Justice.”

Lucy Evans, Service Manager with Make Amends said: “My ambition is that this summit marks a genuine turning point for Restorative Justice in Devon and Cornwall. I want us to look honestly at the whole journey, from the point a crime happens, through the criminal justice system, to where RJ can be offered, and identify where opportunities are being missed and why. That means asking some difficult but important questions. Are people being told about RJ? Are professionals confident enough to raise it? Are there groups who are less likely to access it? Are we making it clear what good RJ looks like, as well as simply trying to increase the numbers?

“Our ambition is to move referral numbers up, but the target is not just about numbers. It is about making RJ a more accessible, consistent and effective part of our justice system, so that far more victims have the opportunity to be heard, get answers and, where appropriate, take part in a process that can help them move forward.”

Mark Myer, Restorative Justice Coordination Manager with Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “In Devon and Cornwall, we recognise the positive difference that Restorative Justice can make. It gives victims a voice and enables offenders to take accountability for their actions, providing understanding and resolution. We are fortunate to have the backing of both the Chief Constable and PCC in this endeavour, as well as a highly professional and dedicated RJ service in Make Amends.

“Given the significant difference to victims, offenders, and local communities that Restorative Justice can make, we are dedicated to increasing awareness and access to this invaluable service so that more people can benefit from the rights available to them in the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “Restorative Justice (RJ) has proven time and time again to give victims closure and stop criminals offending again which is why my office funds Make Amends, the only RJ service for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

“I look forward to working with the High Sheriff to promote RJ and hearing about more people it has helped. Like the High Sheriff I am hoping those numbers will continue to increase. It is crucial that all victims of crime know that they have a right to access RJ, but are also made aware it is a voluntary rather than compulsory process.”

Each High Sheriff chooses a theme for their year in office. Mark Ansell was inspired to choose Restorative Justice after listening to Amol Rajan’s interview with Jacob Dunne on a BBC podcast. Jacob’s story inspired the play PUNCH. Jacob and the parents of James Hodgkinson, who he killed with a single punch on a night out, are now key campaigners in the field of Restorative Justice. Jacob and James’s father David will be keynote speakers at the summit.

Other lived experience speakers at the summit will include Seth Marks and his mother Julie who live near Tavistock. Seth was left quadriplegic after a car crash. The vehicle was being driven by his friend who’d been drinking and smoking cannabis. After experiencing the impact of Restorative Justice, Seth and Julie now campaign to increase awareness of the process.

Julie said: “Restorative Justice gave me my life back by empowering me to have a voice to be heard and listened to in a very compassionate safe and professional manner. I was able to move on with my life enabling me to say ‘I forgive you’ to the harmer. I needed him to take accountability and responsibility not to say sorry, which he did.

“My desire is that more people have the opportunity I had to recover from such a devastating situation. It offers the chance for people to move on with their lives with some peace, having had their voices heard and questions answered. The outcome from a person having Restorative Justice is far reaching. It has the potential to prevent further impacts from the trauma they have suffered.”

The day will feature workshops focusing on Restorative Justice being applied in specific types of crimes, ranging from domestic abuse and road traffic incidents to serious violence and youth crime.

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