Anti-Social Behaviour in Launceston

Measures are currently underway by your local Neighbourhood Policing Team to tackle Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) by a number of young persons in our local area.

Although there are various definitions of ASB, it is generally considered to consist of "behaviour by a person which causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to persons not of the same household as the person". It can, in turn, lead to community tensions and have a significant impact on people’s health, wellbeing and their daily quality of life.

If any members of the public have concerns surrounding these issues, we would urge them to call 999 if a crime is ongoing or contact us via a slower time method for a non-urgent enquiry. You can contact us on [email protected] , via 101 on the telephone or you can report matters directly to us on the Devon and Cornwall Police web page via webchat. Alternatively you could make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111.

Again, we would like to reaffirm that we are focussed on pursuing those responsible for ASB in spaces provided for everyone to use.  We are determined to protect the reputation of Launceston as one of the safest towns in the Country; mindless antisocial behaviour by the minority is totally unacceptable and something we are treating very seriously.

Update: 22 June 2022 - ASB Culprits identified and action is being taken.

The neighbourhood team have continued to warn persons regarding committing ASB, both verbal warnings and also more formal warning letters.

A suspect is due to appear before the Magistrates Court in late July 2022 and hopefully a Criminal Behaviour Order will be imposed upon him to prevent him continuing to cause issues. 

Please continue to report any bad behaviour to Police by phoning 101, emailing [email protected] , using webchat on the website Devon and Cornwall Police Web Chat (devon-cornwall.police.uk) or phoning 999 if immediate action is required to an offence being in progress.

Drug supply

Drug supply has been identified as a Sector Priority.

Drug supply, whether through County Lines or as part of a Dangerous Drug Network is a contributory factor in criminality and health and social issues nationally.

All officers are to make full use of their stop and search powers and deal robustly with offences where discovered.

Neighbourhood Team to continue executing search warrants and conducting investigations at target addresses and on individuals.

Shoplifting

Persistent shoplifting has been identified as a Sector Priority. Prolific shoplifters are to be targeted and dealt with robustly. 

Persistent Anti social behaviour

Persistent ASB has been identified as a Sector Priority across all areas of Launceston Sector.

Patrol and Neighbourhood Officers are to focus on hot-spot areas which are identified areas with an evidenced cluster of crime and ASB.

Officers to make use of ASB, Stop and Search and Dispersal Powers if necessary.

Possession, use and supply of controlled drugs in Launceston

During the course of our duties and engagement with our communities, we have become increasingly aware of a growing concern surrounding the possession, use and supply of drugs in Launceston.

Alongside our efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour, we are now working hard to target those using and supplying drugs on the streets of Launceston and surrounding areas. Drugs can have an adverse impact on individuals, families and businesses right across our communities and contribute to violence, crime, financial problems and homelessness.

We will be working with various partners to progress this priority including our response policing colleagues, traffic policing officers, force intelligence officers, local schools, Cornwall Council Housing and Cornwall Council ASB Team.

Nonetheless, we still need members of the public to help us to tackle this threat to our community. We need information about people who you suspect might be involved in drugs activity, vehicles used by them and any addresses they might be using to store drugs and the proceeds of crime. 

This isn't just a Police issue, it's a community one, so contact us and let us know about any suspicious activity or where you have any concerns that a family member or friend might be at risk due to taking drugs. 

If any members of the public have concerns surrounding these issues, we would urge them to call 999 if a crime is ongoing or contact us via a slower time method for a non-urgent enquiry. You can contact us on [email protected] , via 101 on the telephone or you can report matters directly to us on the Devon and Cornwall Police web page via webchat. Alternatively you could make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111.

Thank you for your help. As ever, we will keep you updated with developments as we have them.

Update: 21 March 2022 - Vulnerable Premise identified

The neighbourhood Team have identified a vulnerable address being scoped by a dangerous drugs network and haveput steps in motion to dirsupt the activity.  The situation is being monitored closely.