A Cornish resort is hoping to tackle its trouble with antisocial, boozy behaviour and crime through a large network of walkie-talkies. Around 100 of the radios have been given to lifeguards, shop owners, pubs, CCTV operators, and even police in Newquay.
They are helping people stay in touch to help keep an eye out for potential problems and report troublemakers. Despite its beauty, the seaside town has been plagued by crime such as shoplifting and alcohol problems, particularly under-age drinking and rowdy stag dos. But now nearly 100 walkie-talkies have been dished out so local people can chat at any time, to report incidents and prevent trouble before it spreads. The move from Newquay’s Business Improvement District (BID) has been supported by the police and crime commission.
According to Newquay BID, safety remains a top priority in one of the UK’s most visited coastal towns. Mark Warren, manager of Newquay BID, said the walkie-talkies are not there to “replace a 999 or a 111 call” but to make businesses “feel safer.”
He said: “This could literally be someone causing a problem at the beach and heading to the high street. If anybody is being silly or dangerous, we would be aware of them rather than it being too late.
“We can link any antisocial behaviour between the shops, and we can link anything related to low-level crime. It is not just about dealing with shoplifting. In the peak centre, there will be thousands of people on those beaches, so it keeps everybody safe.
“It is no different to any town beach or resort, but of course, you are going to have people drinking more and having a bit more fun. But if it does happen, we have these things to keep people safe. It is more of a family town, a wellbeing place. But on top of that,t I want to make sure it is a very safe place.”
This move is part of Newquay BID’s commitment to making the town a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable destination for all. He added: “It is an umbrella approach to the town. We have got a clear safety business that are in communication with each other. We have got a safety blanket that we can utilise.
“Our beaches are used all year around – people come to the beaches and use them all around the year; this is something we will be doing ongoing.”
Charlotte Larkin, who runs The Pet Centre, said they have had the walkie-talkies for a year now. In the past, they have had shoplifting issues, but the new system has helped reduce professional shoplifting across their business and town.
Charlotte added: “It has been very helpful. Even if we see someone who is prolific we will let the shops know. As soon as they know they have been watched they won’t try it. It is very important just for general communications through the town. If there’s an argument going through the town or shoplifting we know it is going on.
“I think everybody is very active in the community in general. We had a shoplifter a couple weeks ago and we posted it on the Newquay pages and within a couple of days the guy came in and paid his bill.”
Charlotte explained how they use it at least twice a week to warn businesses of shoplifters. She added: “Generally you report anyone that is known or is doing it actively. Even if they are walking past then anyone knows where they are.
“The more we do it the more people do it and engage and the less of an issue we are going to have. It opens up communication where you wouldn’t really have it. It makes it safe. It is a good solid community down here.”