A mobile police station is giving people in Torbay the opportunity to engage with officers while in the town. The mobile station will allow passers-by to easily report crime, give statements and receive crime prevention advice without the need to pick up the phone or visit the police enquiry office. The mobile police station is going to be based across various locations in Torquay to be accessible to different communities.

Mobile police station opens in Torquay

It will be easier to report crime

17 Oct 2024, 15:24 by Devon Live · DevonLive

A mobile police station is giving people in Torquay the opportunity to engage with officers while in the town.

The mobile station will allow passers-by to easily report crime, give statements and receive crime prevention advice without the need to pick up the phone or visit the police enquiry office.

The mobile police station is going to be based across various locations in Torquay to be accessible to different communities. It will be manned by police officers and/or police community support officers (PCSOs) on:

Saturday, October 19, 10am-1pm: outside Primark, Union Street
Friday, November 1, 1pm-3.30pm: nearby the Premier Store, Fleet Walk
Saturday, November 9, 10am-2pm: at Castle Circus
Friday, November 22, 5pm-8pm: near the Green Ginger, Fleet Walk
Friday, November 29, 10am-2pm: outside Primark, Union Street.

Inspector Chris Lithgow, who has supported the arrival of the mobile police station, said: “I know the communities of Torquay want to see more police officers on our streets – we hear you. This is one of the ways we’re going to improve our presence within the town, showing the public our police officers are approachable, visible and there to help people when they need it.

“Not only that, but by bringing the mobile police station directly to the neighbourhoods in Torquay we’re aiming to make speaking to the police as convenient and accessible as we can for the public.

“I know there is more to do, but this is a step in the right direction. This isn’t going to replace our regular foot patrols, it’s simply an additional way for our officers to be present while also being able to provide support to people who need it. Together, we can build a safer town.”

Devon and Cornwall police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “We’re making it easier for the people of Torquay to engage with their local officers face-to-face. Whether it’s reporting concerns or getting advice, I want to ensure that speaking to the police is as accessible as possible. The mobile police station is part of our wider commitment to improving safety in the town centre through the street focus Torquay project. Our goal is to bring about real, long-term change and showing residents the police are here to listen, support and take action is central to that.

“My office has regularly held engagement sessions in Castle Circus over the past few months. The mobile police station will further strengthen our efforts to connect with the community.”

In a bid to encourage the public to come forward with information about crime and report what they’ve seen, Insp Lithgow added: “I hope the addition of the mobile police station shows that we want to listen and that your concerns are important to us.

“You are the eyes and ears in our communities; we’re not able to know everything that goes on in the town at all times. So, if you see something that doesn’t look right, say something to the police or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers.”