Newquay policing policy to see u-18s with fake ID arrested

Newquay is thought to have become the first town in England to have put in place a policy where all under-18s caught in possession of fake ID will be arrested.

The move is part of what the police have described as a “No Nonsense” approach, which will also encourage officers to take action, issuedirection to leave notices and make arrests for minor offences.

Devon & Cornwall Police said the new approach had been tested – and worked well – during the Run to the Sun weekend. This led to nine arrests for disorderly behaviour and seven for possession of drugs.

The police also claimed that reports of violence were substantially reduced and “very few” reports of anti social behaviour were received. There was also a significant reduction in assaults and criminal damage during the weekend.

Devon & Cornwall Police said it would deal with drunken and disorderly behaviour in particular this summer and would be confiscating any unacceptable inflatables, clothing or other items.

Newquay is already the only town in Cornwall to have introduced a Bar Crawl Code of Conduct and to regulate street flyers by issuing flyer licences.

Inspector Ian Drummond-Smith said: “We recognise that families are often in the Newquay town centre alongside same sex groups who act inappropriately and cause offence and upset to residents and other visitors. We hope this approach will have a positive impact on the quality of life for residents during the summer.”

Cornwall Councillor for Newquay Central, Geoff Brown, said he welcomed the new policing approach.

He added: “I have said on many occasions Newquay Safe does not have a magic wand and we can only work within the law and current regulations. We are doing all we can and if Newquay residents and businesses continue to support us and work together we can resolve Newquay’s issues. Residents need to report problems as they witness them to the police and council.”