Shopkeepers say extra patrols cutting shoplifting

Shopkeepers in Bodmin have said a stronger police presence has started to make a real difference with shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, as new funding brings extra patrols to the town.

At the Iceland store, manager Callum Harry said theft had once been a major issue but had eased in recent months.

"The police are actually helping this store particularly, and we haven't really had that much anti-social behaviour," he said. "A few every now and then, but as long as we log it straight away, they'll come normally."

The work is being highlighted as part of Neighbourhood Policing Week, with forces across Devon and Cornwall showcasing the role of local teams.

The improvements came after Bodmin received additional foot patrols under a £1.3m hotspot policing scheme announced in September 2025 aimed at cutting anti-social behaviour and violent crime.

The project is backed by £1m from the Home Office for 2025 to 2026 and a further £300,000 from the local police and crime commissioner.

Karen Brown, who has run the Oggy Oggy Cafe for 10 years, said officers had "always been really helpful", adding that incidents could feel intimidating for her mainly young, female team.

PCSO Anton Lake, who joined Bodmin police six months ago, said he believed there had been a decrease in some types of crime and described public feedback as "mainly positive".

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said: "Neighbourhood Policing Week is an opportunity for us to highlight the vital role our officers play in building trust, listening to local concerns, and working side by side with communities to prevent crime and keep people safe."

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