POLICE officers conducted a coordinated operation in Hayle to target people engaging in antisocial behaviour, resulting in an arrest and the disruption of a planned large scale beach party involving young people under the age of 18.

“Antisocial behaviour (ASB), in whatever form, can cause worry and concern within our community,” said Sergeant Michael Friday, who headed up the operation. “It was important for us to send a message to the public that this behaviour will not be tolerated – our officers are on the streets ready to pursue offenders.”

The operation, which took place on Saturday, May 3 during the evening, saw officers in both plain clothes and uniform patrolling key areas of the town to identify and address unlawful and disruptive behaviour, offering reassurance to the community.

During the operation, a 34-year-old man was arrested and charged for possessing a knife and a public order offence. He has been remanded on conditional bail and is due to appear in court in June. Additionally, two young men were dispersed from a local supermarket after causing disruption.

Officers also received reports of a planned beach party that had the potential to draw crowds of up to 200 young people, including those under the age of 18. Officers attended the location to intervene and successfully prevented the gathering from taking place.

Inspector Dee Evans, who leads the local neighbourhood policing team, commented: “Events like these previously caused disruptions for residents, who were impacted by noise, littering, and raised concerns for welfare of young attendees. Preventing this event from going ahead was a positive outcome for the community.”

“I’m pleased we were able to take proactive steps to address antisocial behaviour. Our efforts will continue throughout the summer months when our public spaces are busier.

“We are committed to making Hayle a hostile environment for those who intend on causing harm, while ensuring the town remains a safe and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.

"We urge the public to continue reporting any crime or antisocial behaviour. Your reports help shape our patrol strategies and ensure we are targeting areas where incidents are occurring."

This operation was carried out by the local Neighbourhood Police team in collaboration with the Cornwall Neighbourhood Support team. It forms part of a wider strategy to tackle antisocial behaviour and crime across the Hayle area through targeted patrols and intelligence led enforcement.

Knife crime is not a major problem in Devon and Cornwall, however it is taken very seriously and police will continue to educate the public and aim to remove knife crime from the streets.

Reports from members of the public provide police with invaluable information about where and when crimes are taking place. Police are urging the public to continue to report any intelligence, no matter how small, on the Devon and Cornwall Police (www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/ro/report/) or by calling 101.

If a crime is taking place, call 999.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via their crimestoppers-uk.org