DCPA Alert Update 9 April

Devon & Cornwall Police & Crime Commissioner

Pcc Alert 9 April

PCC alert: update (9 April)

Commissioner calls for second home owners to #ComeBackLater

The Police and Crime Commissioner for one of the country’s most visited areas has backed calls for tourists and second home owners to stay away this Easter and to consider making properties available for the coronavirus response.

The Devon and Cornwall Police force has more domestic visitors than any other in the UK and a high proportion of elderly residents classed as vulnerable to coronavirus (Covid-19).

Despite restrictions on people’s movement, residents have reported that some holiday accommodation providers are continuing to trade, and Devon and Cornwall Police has challenged some who have been travelling to the Westcountry for holidays.

This concern shared by other tourism hotspots across the UK has attracted national attention and the hashtag #ComeBackLater is trending on social media.

Alison Hernandez, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, has added her voice to those calling for both tourists and second home owners to stay in their primary residences until restrictions are lifted.

She is also asking for anyone with empty property in the area to make it available for key workers and play a key role in helping us to keep people safe at this critical time.

Teacher helpline launched to help vulnerable children

A helpline has been launched for teachers who may be worried about the welfare of a vulnerable child during the Covid-19 crisis after a domestic abuse incident.

Funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez, the helpline is run by the Operation Encompass charity. While schools are closed, it will provide specialist support to teachers who are working at the hub schools that are open to the children of key workers and vulnerable children who have been identified by local authorities and headteachers.

Launched in 2011, Operation Encompass is the reporting to schools before 9am on a school day when police have attended an incident where a child or young person has been present during, or exposed to, an environment where there has been domestic abuse.

The helpline will offer teachers guidance, information and support and the opportunity to discuss their concerns as they prepare for a child coming in to a hub school following a report of domestic abuse. A child and educational psychologist and clinical psychologist are available to offer advice to teachers on an anonymous and confidential basis.

Exeter police station to open early as part of response to coronavirus crisis

Exeter’s award-winning new police station on Sidmouth Road opens a fortnight early because its state-of-the-art custody cells are better for isolating detainees with coronavirus symptoms than those currently in use.

From 8am on Tuesday, April 7, the front desk at Exeter’s Heavitree Road station will be closed and the service transferred to the new station, which is next to Devon and Cornwall Police’s Middlemoor headquarters.

Although Coronavirus means police are asking people not to attend the station in person unless absolutely necessary, those who do need to visit will be able to access a modern and clean public enquiry office.

Other OPCC news:

Help and support for victims of crime

Victim Support provide free and confidential support. Victim Support is a charity and is not part of the police. If you live in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly you can contact Victim Support for information and advice, using a live web chat 24 hours a day 7 days a week: victimsupport.org.uk

You can also contact Victim Support on Freephone 0808 1689 111. Find out about other ways to contact Victim Support, including if you are deaf or hard of hearing: victimsupport.org.uk

In addition, the Victim Care Unit can be contacted on 01392 475900 from 8am to 8pm on Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm at the weekend. Information on the practical and emotional support on offer is available at victimcaredevonandcornwall.org.uk.

Covid-19 frequently asked questions

Devon and Cornwall Police have published a list of frequently asked questions around Coronavirus on their website. They cover a range of topics including daily life, crime, police response, day to day police work and new emergency legislation.

These FAQs are updated regularly and so we recommend you check them often: devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/covid-19-coronavirus/covid-19-faqs/

Reporting crime to Devon and Cornwall Police

In a non-emergency, you can also report a crime 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 101 webchat or on the online crime reporting form – both on the force website: devon-cornwall.police.uk. There’s also a useful AskNed system that provides online advice on a range of issues and by signing up to Neighbourhood Alert regular updates and information.

At this difficult time please remain vigilant and report anything you think might be suspicious.

In an emergency situation, always dial 999

If it’s too dangerous to speak in an emergency you can make a silent call to the police. Silent 999 calls are not automatically transferred to the police. If you have made an emergency call but can’t speak (because you believe you will be in danger if you are heard), dial 55 when asked to do so by the emergency operator. Find out more about silent calls on Devon and Cornwall Police’s website: devon-cornwall.police.uk/contact/silent-999-calls/

Crime can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its website: crimestoppers-uk.org

Covid-19 update

The situation continues to change rapidly so for up to date advice on the Covid-19 virus please visit the Government: gov.uk

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