A POLICING initiative has been re-launched in Newquay to help combat crime and disorder.

The Newquay Rangers have started patrolling the streets to provide visible reassurance, support local businesses, and help residents and visitors feel safe and welcome in the town.

The scheme is part of a broader effort to tackle anti-social behaviour, reduce crime, and improve public confidence in the town centre particularly during the busy summer season.

The Newquay Rangers initiative has been relaunched thanks to renewed hotspot funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner, which was awarded to Newquay BID.

Newquay Rangers Nick Linne and Darryn Brooks will be working closely alongside Newquay Police.

Mr Brooks, who received a Citizens in Policing Award whilst working as a Truro Ranger, said: “The most problems we’ve encountered in the town have been drug and alcohol related such as shoplifting, which people have carried out to feed their habit.

“Most of what we do is provide a high visual deterrent. We have a rapport with people who have a criminal intent, and they know they can’t get away with it when we are around.”

“We support vulnerable people during the nighttime economy. We can also offer outreach programmes to anyone we find who are homeless.

“We are Security Industry Authority trained, which teaches us conflict management.”

Newquay BID manager Mark Warren hopes the Newquay Rangers will become a year-round fixture in the town.

Mr Warren said: “The plan is the Newquay Rangers support the police with antisocial behaviour, shoplifting and supporting the welfare of business during certain high-risk times. We would like them during the day, but we have to follow what the police high-risk hours are.

“Newquay Rangers are like a middle step between the police and civilians. They can provide the police with intelligence, which can help with prosecutions.

“The Rangers have ShopWatch radios linked to the police and businesses. A bonus is that the Newquay Rangers know the town and its issues. They work in the nighttime sector, and they know Newquay.

“The biggest feedback had about Newquay Rangers operating last year was from businesses who said it was great they were there when there have been antisocial behaviour incidents and when first aid is needed.

“A lot of the public say aren’t the Newquay Rangers doing a role that the police should be fulfilling but we no longer have police on the ground patrolling the town centre as much so it’s great to have them.

“It has also been said the Newquay Rangers are like bouncers going around with jackets on, but they are Community Safety Scheme accredited, which means they are police vetted to the level of a Police Constable.

“The Newquay Rangers are a normal presence on the high street. We plan to get funding going forward so they have a full-time role.

“Most towns in Cornwall have started to get Rangers. They act as a real deterrent. So, towns that haven’t got them could be seen as easy pickings to people with criminal intent.”

The Newquay Rangers will work increased hours during Boardmasters. Newquay Police will be receiving additional funding to provide additional officers during the peak six-week summer season who will work alongside the Newquay Rangers.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “We work closely with the Newquay Rangers as part of the hotspot policing initiative to reduce antisocial behaviour.

“We’re proud to work with the Rangers to deter crime, provide a reassuring presence and keep Newquay a safe place for everyone.”