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Stalking and harassment epidemic highlights radical need for new approach 

Stalking and harassment epidemic highlights radical need for new approach 

The unacceptable national statistic that one in five women* will be stalked in their lifetime clearly shows how violence against women and girls has become an epidemic. 

One of my top priorities remains tackling serious violence by committing to making women and girls feel safer in our towns and cities, and in their own homes. The urgent need to do so has been highlighted locally by the devastating murder of Plymouth stalking victim Claire Chick in January of this year. 

This week, the 48-year-old’s killer – her ex-partner – will be sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court after pleading guilty to murder and the possession of a bladed article. The sentencing coincides with National Stalking Awareness Week, taking place from April 22 to 25. 

Recent data from Devon & Cornwall Police reveals 14,457 incidents of stalking and harassment offences were recorded in the 12-month period to February 2025. It is an increase of 14.4 per cent compared with the previous 12 months. 

Claire’s tragic death was within that timeframe and reconfirms the need to better safeguard stalking victims and the importance of timely intervention and support. Devon and Cornwall’s Chief Constable has assured me that the force is committed to reducing harm to victims of stalking and has been carrying out a review of its outstanding stalking cases. 

While the safeguarding of victims is clearly important, it is even more vital to focus on those who have committed violence or are at risk of doing so. Violence and abuse is never the fault of anyone but the perpetrator of these cowardly crimes and the Chief Constable and I will be united in reducing stalking and harassment through prevention, education, enforcement, and support for victims. 

I know from personal experience the devastating impact it has on people’s lives having previously been the victim of stalking and assault. After initially being reluctant to report it, I found the confidence to inform the police. 

The sentence he received confirmed I had made the right choice.  It is vital that people feel they are supported by a police force and criminal justice system they can trust and have confidence in to feel safe.  

This can only be achieved through improving the reporting, investigation and prosecution of incidents, as well as introducing radical ideas to prevent them from happening. We need new, robust prevention strategies, including education on healthy relationships, tackling hate, and early intervention with perpetrators. 

I will continue to work with the Chief Constable, local authorities, victim services and national government to ensure we bring perpetrators to justice.

If you are concerned about the behaviour of someone you know or have a new partner, there are systems in place to help, including Sarah’s Law and Claire’s Law. Free support is also available from my Victim Care website, www.victimcare-dc.org, regardless of whether you have reported it to the police or not. 

*Statistic provided by Refuge 

Devon stalking victim speaks out in support of National Stalking Awareness Week  

Devon stalking victim speaks out in support of National Stalking Awareness Week  

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The terrifying and long-lasting impact stalking has on victims’ lives – described as psychological terrorism – has been shared by a Devon survivor in support of National Stalking Awareness Week. 

Latest data from Devon & Cornwall Police has revealed 14,457 stalking and harassment offences were recorded within a 12-month period to February 2025 – an increase of 14.4 per cent compared with the previous 12 months. Although the rise may partly be due to improved recording and better identification of the offences by the force, the need for greater awareness of stalking and its effects on victims, their families and communities, is being highlighted during the awareness week, taking place from April 22 to 25.  

Anyone can become a victim of stalking, a reality that has been experienced first-hand by Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Police Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez. Her stalker, a former partner, received a suspended sentence in 2018. The increase in the number of stalking and harassment offences reported not only to Devon & Cornwall Police but to forces across the UK has led her to describe the problem as an ‘epidemic’ which she says needs to be tackled by focusing on early prevention to stop behaviours from escalating. 

Commissioner Hernandez said: “The unacceptable national statistic that one in five women* will be stalked in their lifetime shows how violence against women and girls has become an epidemic. While the safeguarding of victims is clearly important, it is even more vital to focus on those who have committed violence against women and girls or are at risk of doing so.  

“Violence and abuse is never the fault of anyone but the perpetrator of these cowardly crimes and I will be relentless in holding the Chief Constable to account for reducing stalking and harassment through prevention, education, enforcement, and support for victims.” 

Devon stalking survivor and women’s rights campaigner Alexis Bowater was relentlessly stalked over a period of three-and-a-half years including during the pregnancies of her two children and while she was working as an ITV newsreader in the Westcountry. Her stalker was eventually jailed in 2009 and she has since dedicated much of time to trying to combat violence against women and girls.  

Alexis was honoured with an OBE in the 2022 Jubilee Honours list for services to the safety and equality of women. She continues to campaign for collaborative working to raise awareness of stalking and create positive changes for victims.  

Speaking out about her experience to highlight the importance of National Stalking Awareness Week, she said: “Every woman deserves to live free from fear and violence. You initially think it will go away but instead stalking behaviour escalates. Stalkers don’t stop until they are stopped.  

“By the time my stalker was charged we thought it was a race against time between the police getting him and him getting me and my family. When you are being stalked, you almost normalise it to cope. It’s an insidious crime that escalates. That’s why I completely understand why stalking victims go to the police and say they think they are being stalked instead of realising they are.  

“The impact it has on you is being in a hyper vigilant, terrified, state of survival mode, but you still have to try and carry on with your life. Stalking is described as being psychological terrorism and psychological rape.   

“Traumatised victims are under threat 24/7. They know what’s going to happen to them and who will do it because they have been told by the stalker – but they just don’t know when, which is why it is called ‘murder in slow motion’.  

“That’s why around 80 per cent of stalking victims will suffer from some form of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often without even realising they have it. Stalkers drape their victims in a cloak of silence making them think no one is out there to help them or will understand, but that isn’t the case.   

“If you think you are being stalked you probably are. Trust your instinct and reach out for help. There are so many people who can help you including the police, the National Stalking Helpline, support services for victims and charities.  

“There is still so much more that can be done to help victims of stalking and there are pockets of outstanding practice both in the UK and all over the world that could swiftly be brought together and implemented to save the lives of women.” 

Stalking is classified as being a pattern of fixated and obsessive behaviour which is repeated, persistent, intrusive and causes fear of violence or alarm and distress for the victim. It is a crime and is one of the most frequently experienced forms of abuse and can escalate to rape and murder. 

If you are concerned about the behaviour of someone you know, there are systems in place to help, including Sarah’s Law and Claire’s Law. Free support is also available from the Devon & Cornwall Police Victim Care Unit – regardless of whether it has been reported to the police or not. To make contact please click here or call 01392 475900. Help is also available from the National Stalking Helpline – 0808 802 0300.  

*Statistic provided by Refuge 

Criminal investigation into suspended Chief Constable dropped

Criminal investigation into suspended Chief Constable dropped

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has said she is ‘delighted’ after it was revealed the criminal investigation into suspended Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable Will Kerr has been dropped.

Mr Kerr was suspended by Commissioner Hernandez in July 2023 following a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

An investigation was launched by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI) after allegations were made of criminal offences while Mr Kerr was employed by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). No arrests were made as part of the investigation.

The Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland (PPSNI) has now said that, following a file being submitted by PONI, the decision has been taken not to prosecute.

It is understood, in light of the announcement, the IOPC will be resuming its investigation into allegations of misconduct against Mr Kerr. He will remain suspended until the outcome of this investigation.

Chief Constable James Vaughan, who was appointed to the role in December 2024, will remain in post until any outstanding matters are concluded.

Commissioner Hernandez said: “I am delighted to hear that Mr Kerr is no longer under criminal investigation. This will be a significant relief to Mr Kerr and his family. It is disappointing that it has taken nearly two years to get to this decision. 

“While this is a major milestone, we await further instructions from the Independent Office for Police Conduct on any potential misconduct matters which may still need their oversight.

“The leadership of Devon and Cornwall Police remains under the stewardship of Mr Vaughan until any outstanding matters are concluded.”

The Police Ombudsman said it remains in contact with the IOPC.

You want more police on the streets – so this is great news for our communities

You want more police on the streets – so this is great news for our communities

Last week, my office announced some fantastic news for the residents of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: thanks to a substantial £4.7 million grant from the Home Office, we’re set to see a major boost in neighbourhood policing across our region.

This funding means 110 more “boots on the ground”, with 45 police officers redeployed into neighbourhood policing teams, 55 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) recruited, and 10 new Special Constable volunteers.

One of things I hear most from people around our force area is that they want to see more visible policing. Whether it’s in town centres, rural areas, or residential neighbourhoods, that sense of safety that comes from seeing officers out and about cannot be underestimated. And it isn’t just a feeling — visible policing plays a vital role in preventing crime, deterring antisocial behaviour, and building trust with communities.

In my ongoing Your Safety, Your Say survey, nearly half of respondents said their top priority for investment in policing was having more officers on the streets. I have heard this message loud and clear, and this funding helps take a big step in delivering just that.

This move builds on the work we’ve already been doing through our hotspot policing project, a targeted approach that has already shown real results in communities across the force area, with regular foot patrols in areas that need it most leading to many interventions and arrests, weapons taken off the streets, and a clear reduction in antisocial behaviour.

Neighbourhood policing is the foundation of our efforts to support local communities. This investment will allow us to be more responsive and proactive in addressing the issues that matter most to residents.

The benefit of neighbourhood officers and PCSOs is that they know the areas they serve. They build relationships with residents, local businesses, schools, and community groups. They become a familiar face and a trusted point of contact and help address low-level issues before they escalate, which is so important for preventing crimes from being committed.

In fact, one of our amazing PCSOs Liz Francis, who works in the Teignmouth neighbourhood team, has just been recognised in a national awards ceremony for her exceptional contribution in helping to keep local people safe.

Liz was nominated and shortlisted for the Police Staff Lifetime Achievement award. As Chief Inspector Miranda Pusey said, “she is driven by the desire to make life better for communities across Teignmouth.

“Liz has built strong relationships and nurtured trust with people, especially with those who wouldn’t usually feel comfortable speaking to the police.

“She is the epitome of what is expected from a PCSO and more. She is well liked and respected by her team, partners and the local community. For years Liz has provided the town with a reassuring presence and has made the community of Teignmouth feel safe – both of which are the cornerstone of policing.”

The 10 new volunteer Special Constables will also be a valuable addition. These are community-minded individuals who give their time to help keep others safe, and I’m proud that this funding helps us grow that team.

This new funding is part of the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which commits to ensuring that all communities have access to dedicated and proactive local policing. Alongside the additional £1 million we’ve secured for hotspot policing, this is a major investment in the safety of our communities.

The addition of 110 more officers and staff in our communities is a real game-changer for neighbourhood policing in Devon and Cornwall. It means more eyes and ears on the ground, quicker responses to local concerns, and a stronger connection between the police and the people they serve.

We know that strong communities are built on trust, and visible, accessible policing is key to that. With this investment, we’re not only tackling today’s challenges but also laying the foundation for safer, more resilient communities in the future.

To find out who your local policing team is, go to https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/ and enter your postcode. You can also see crime stats for your area as well as meetings and events where you can meet the team.

110 more boots on the ground thanks to £4.7m neighbourhood policing grant 

110 more boots on the ground thanks to £4.7m neighbourhood policing grant 

More police officers will be on the beat in Devon and Cornwall thanks to a £4.7m grant from the Home Office. 

The neighbourhood policing grant, which aims to help rebuild the connection between police and the public that is key to securing their trust and confidence, will see 45 more police officers deployed into neighbourhood teams and 55 more Police Community Support Officers recruited for Devon & Cornwall Police, alongside 10 Special Constable volunteers. It will also fund extra investment in recruitment and associated costs. 

The news has been welcomed by Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, who called the funding “fantastic news” for the peninsula. 

She said: “One of the things I hear most from residents and businesses, whether when out and about engaging with the public, through contact with my office, or via my regular surveys, is that they want to see more police officers on the streets. 

“In fact, when I asked people in my ongoing Your Safety Your Say survey where they want to see extra investment in policing, 47% of people to date said on the street where they live was their top priority. 

“That’s why this funding is such fantastic news for the people living and working in our two counties. Increased, visible policing is proven to improve confidence and reduce crime, as has been shown by the successful hotspot policing initiative which has delivered excellent results across Devon and Cornwall over the past year.” 

The funding forms parts of the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which aims to ensure every community gets the visible, proactive policing it deserves and makes £200 million available to police forces nationally in 2025/26 to support the increase of neighbourhood officers in years to come. 

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said: “Neighbourhood policing is at the centre of how we support our communities. This is an additional increase in our neighbourhood policing teams on top of the investment made by the force last year. This is an exciting opportunity enabling us to deliver more police officers and PCSOs into our local community activity.  

“We will ensure these 110 officers and staff respond to what our communities need and have been telling us. They will be visible and accessible within our villages, towns and cities tackling antisocial behaviour (ASB) and local crime.” 

The neighbourhood policing grant is in addition to £1 million funding from the Home Office to deliver hotspot policing in Devon and Cornwall for a second year. 

In 2024-25, the project – which aims to reduce ASB and violence in areas identified as most affected – delivered more than 22,000 hours of foot patrols by police and local authority street marshals.  

Current data shows they attended 1,376 reported ASB incidents, made 204 arrests, used policing powers 949 times, and engaged with almost 79,000 members of the public. The hotspot policing initiative also benefited from an additional £200,000 funded by the OPCC for partnership patrols.  

Combined efforts to tackle ASB are succeeding 

Combined efforts to tackle ASB are succeeding 

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Throughout the nine years I have been Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, one of the top priorities highlighted in our public engagement surveys is people wanting more police resources targeted towards addressing antisocial behaviour (ASB). 

The impacts of ASB in all its many forms are detrimental to the quality of life of individuals and communities who are subjected to unacceptable behaviours, often on a daily basis. 

It’s concerning to see the latest data from Devon & Cornwall Police reveals the number of recorded ASB incidents increased by 9.9 per cent over the past 12 months to February 2025 – the equivalent of 2,302 more incidents. The most common incidents officers are dealing with is rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour, closely followed by nuisance neighbours and street drinking behaviour.  

It is why in my budget for policing for 2025-26, I have committed significant funding to tackling ASB. There is even more resources being allocated to ASB over the next 12 months, including an additional £1million from the government to continue hot spot policing, new money for preventing serious violence, plus £1milllion of my own funding which is being allocated to areas that need strategic investment to deliver my Police and Crime Plan 2025-29. 

What is very clear to me is that without joint efforts with other partners and organisations, ASB will continue to make people’s lives a misery across the peninsula. It is not an issue police can deal with alone and only through working together with all our partners will we finally begin to see changes that everyone living or visiting Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly rightly deserves. 

I’m delighted to say that my hopes of achieving that have taken great strides forward thanks to new combined efforts, including those funded by my office. To discuss and evaluate those, I recently hosted a Tackling Antisocial Behaviour Together Conference, bringing together key representatives including from the police, local authority, local councillors volunteering as councillor advocates, and Community Safety Partnerships. 

Encouraging initial success stories were shared which have been given me great optimism for the future. I am particularly proud of the impact that has already been seen from our hotspot policing initiative – a data-driven method of targeted patrolling to tackle ASB and serious crime in areas where it is most prevalent. 

In 2024-25, I secured £1 million in Home Office hotspot funding, resulting in more than 22,000 hours of foot patrols being carried out by police. Current data shows they attended 1,376 reported ASB incidents, made 204 arrests, used policing powers 949 times, and engaged with almost 79,000 members of the public.  

They have also been assisted by the welcome introduction of street marshals who are partly paid for by my office – I spent £200,000 to match fund these marshals to maximise the number of patrols because I recognise the value they bring. Although they have limited policing powers, their ability to help tackle ASB is crucial. Last month, it was confirmed my office will receive Home Office funding for the second time to continue delivering hotspot policing in areas of the peninsula where it is needed most. 

In 2024-25, we were allocated £1million with latest data showing it has enabled more than 22,000 hours of hotspot patrols to be delivered by police and street marshals. They attended 1,376 ASB incidents, made 204 arrests and it has resulted in1,680 pieces of intelligence submitted. 

During the conference, significant progress was also reported around our Safer Streets project, ASB Victim Support Service, ASB Youth Outreach Service, ASB Mediation Service and a dedicated ASB police legal advisor who can swiftly issue community protection warnings and notices, or pursuing civil injunctions and closure experts. 

Benefits are also being seen from an effective tool called the ASB Case Review which empowers repeat victims of ASB to ask for a review of the actions of partner agencies have taken to resolve their concerns.  

I am also extremely grateful to all those who have joined our Councillor Advocate scheme from across all levels and political parties of local government, who selflessly volunteer their time to be mine and the force’s ears and eyes on the ground within communities to help combat ASB. 

My key aims also remain delivering coordinated and targeted support for victims of ASB as well as reducing re-offending and providing services for children and young people who are drawn into or at risk of ASB. 

Together, we can all play our part to reduce crime and help tackle ASB in problem areas across the peninsula and I pledge that those efforts to create safer communities won’t stop. 

If you are being impacted by ASB, my office funds the Devon and Cornwall Victim Support ASB Service. It is a free, independent and confidential support and advocacy service for those over 18 experiencing both crimed and non-crimed ASB.  

For more details, call your local Victim Support team on 0300 303 0554 or visit https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/resources/devon-and-cornwall  

Lines are open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. For out-of-hours support, call the free support line on 0808 1689 111.   

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