THE antisocial behaviour of rival pleasure boat operators and other marine businesses on one of Cornwall’s most popular piers has led to members of the public witnessing verbal and physical threats.

That was what a police officer told a meeting of Cornwall Harbours Board yesterday (Thursday, March 19) when it issued eight permits to businesses to ply for trade from the Prince of Wales Pier and Fish Strand Quay, Falmouth, during the next financial year.

The companies that received permits were Cornish Pleasure Cruises, Cornwall Ferries Ltd, Falmouth Pleasure Cruises, Falmouth Scenic Cruises, Flushing Ferry and Ken’s River Ferries.

The Prince of Wales Pier is a maritime transport hub for several passenger tripping boats, ferries, fishing trips and harbour cruises. There has long been bad feeling between rival operators, which has led to criminal investigations.

The decision in previous years to not issue permits to two applicants has resulted in less antisocial activity being recorded on the pier and, coupled with other initiatives such as the use of bodycams worn by the pier master and a seasonal assistant, has meant less time has been spent on dealing with “petty complaints, threats and intimidation”.

However, a Falmouth police officer has emphasised that bad behaviour will be not be tolerated. PC Helen Newton, representing Sgt Chris Vincent of Falmouth police at the meeting, said: “The behaviour in the past has impacted on the public – locals and tourists. They have witnessed verbal and physical threats.

“There was disgusting foul language and insults used on almost every occasion. This year we will not be tolerating it. Last year was a better year, but in the past we have had a lot of incidents on the Prince of Wales Pier.”

She said 113 crimes were recorded between 2019 and 2025 involving public order, criminal damage, violence and allegations of harassment from different companies as well as counter-allegations.

“We haven’t had a lot of convictions since 2019 because of a lack of independent supporting evidence. However, last year some extra advice from us and some input from the companies regards gathering evidence has really helped.”

This included further investment in CCTV as well as companies based on the pier using audio equipment and cameras. There was also extra vigilance when it came to touting for business on the pier.

PC Newton promised extra patrols on the site, adding: “We would like to work together moving forward to really implement any antisocial behaviour conditions that we can. We really hope for a good season this year, and if there is the start of anything we can clamp down.”

Board member Cllr Peter Channon responded: “It’s disgusting – it seems to be a regular thing down at the Prince of Wales Pier.” He suggested the Harbours Board should visit the pier “to get a feel of what goes on there on a regular basis”, which was agreed.

The meeting heard that a full-time maritime assistant for Penryn and the Prince of Wales Pier has been recruited, which will help to provide seven-day cover on the pier during the peak season.