New mobile police station on the streets of Torquay

A new mobile police station has landed on the streets of Torquay, giving local people the opportunity to engage with officers while in the town. The helpful 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 reach out to different communities. It will be manned by police officers and/or police community support officers (PCSOs). People who visit the mobile police station can receive crime prevention advice, report crime, share intelligence about a crime and be signposted to useful support services. It will be at the following dates and locations:

• Wednesday 9 October, 1-4pm: nearby the Green Ginger, Fleet Walk

• Saturday 19 October, 10am-1pm: outside Primark, Union Street

• Friday 1 November, 1-3:30pm: nearby the Premier Store, Fleet Walk

• Saturday 9 November, 10am-2pm: Castle Circus

• Friday 22 November, 5-8pm: nearby the Green Ginger, Fleet Walk

• Friday 29 November, 10am-2pm: outside Primark, Union Street

Inspector Chris Lithgow, who has supported the arrival of the mobile police station, said: “I know that 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 that 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.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, who gifted the van to the force for use as a mobile police station, 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 represents significant progress and 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 that 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. I’m pleased that 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.”

Police teams in Torquay regularly post updates about the work they are doing to protect local communities, connect with the public and reduce crime within the area on their Facebook and Instagram pages. Follow them on social media @TorquayPolice.

Alternatively, you can sign up to Devon & Cornwall Alert to stay up to date with the latest information directly from police teams in your area.

If you have any information about illegal activity happening in your local area, please report it to Devon & Cornwall Police. To do this, please visit our website or call 101. In an emergency call 999.

Information can also be passed 100% anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via their website.