Police and Crime Commissioner wants communities to be part of a ‘team effort’ to tackle issues.

Midweek Herald: Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg.Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg. (Image: Archant)

Crime is a community problem - not just an issue for the police - and Devon and Cornwall’s new Police and Crime Commissioner says he is “determined” to empower local residents to “take more ownership for their own policing”.

Speaking after his first 100 days in office, Tony Hogg said: “Reducing crime and feeling safer must be a team effort involving all of us.

“Our communities must be empowered to take more ownership for their own policing and I am more determined than ever to do whatever it takes to encourage this.

“I can bring people together, encourage local partnerships, develop the roles of PCSOs and Specials and see young people play their part too through police cadets and youth initiatives.”

Mr Hogg says he has received encouraging feedback from local people about how he is developing his role.

Tackling alcohol-related crime and misuse, as well as giving victims of crime a stronger voice are among his long-term goals.

He believes neighbourhood policing, with the community playing its part, is a cornerstone of tackling crime.

“In many ways, this could be interpreted as a return to old fashioned values,” he said.

“The phrase ‘I want to see more bobbies on the beat’ is one I have heard a lot and is absolutely central to what I want to achieve.

“This is why I have ensured that police numbers stay above 3,000 in Devon and Cornwall and didn’t fall to 2,800 as planned before I was elected.”

Reflecting on his first three months in office, Mr Hogg added: “My first 100 days have been extremely busy.

“This role is challenging, but I am relishing the task.

“Yes, I admit there are those that still need to be persuaded about the impact a Police and Crime Commissioner can make, but sometimes in life you have to let your actions speak louder than words. That is what I will continue to do.”