Inspector Lynden Hughes gave an update on policing in Bude at the town’s recent community network panel meeting.

Insp Hughes explained how he wants to change the approach of local policing, adding: “The reason I am coming along to these meetings is to identify what the priorities are from the people.

“Historically we think the police will know what’s best and historically there has been some disconnect.What we haven’t done recently is be honest with what we are dealing with. We haven’t given you the perspective which is what we want to do.”

Insp Hughes briefed the panel on the current drug abuse issues in the town, involving both Xanax and Ketamine.

He said: “It is happening in our area. I never thought when policing in Bude that 25 years later organised crime would be operating in the area.”

Insp Hughes also addressed the recent increase in local break-ins. “There has been a real spike in dwelling burglaries in Widemouth, Crooklets, St Teath and Bodmin. We think that they are linked, with possible links to break-ins in the Shebbear and Ashwater area.”

Although he remained conscious of the recent cut backs, Insp Hughes comforted the panel in regards to dealing with crimes.

“If I have an issue with organised crime in Callington or anywhere else, I will move my resources around to those areas.”

He explained that within his area he has 15 town councils and 48 parish councils, all with representatives, and that the panel meetings were a great way to keep all areas informed.

“I gave a similar talk to those in Launceston and they invited us back to give more information with crime reports and service retraction.”

He said the meetings are also beneficial for the police force.

“It is very interesting going to these panel meetings, all the issues that have been talked about today, with all the other services, GP practices etc., there are individuals that are high service users, if they can’t access their GP or the transport within the system then they become chaotic and become vulnerable and then we are called.”

Despite the recent spate of crime in the area, Bude and its surrounding areas still remain one of the safest places to live in the county, and Insp Hughes told the panel that this is due to the extensive safeguarding work they do on a day-to-day basis.

He said: “Massive amount of work in safeguarding and responsibility, we go into the community to find the people that are vulnerable to provide a safety net to them and direct them to the right services.

“I hold a meeting in Launceston every two weeks, where we identify hoarders, fire risks, being one example, people with chronic conditions that are a danger to themselves, children that are neglected, living in well loved families but the sheer deprivation that the family may have, we can intervene.

“As a police force 20% of our time is used to tackle crime and the rest is safeguarding.”

Cllr Julia Bryson didn’t seem impressed by the figure offered by Insp Hughes, and she questioned why they spent 80% of the time ‘as a social worker’.

But, Insp Hughes replied: “We take an oath as an officer, to help people and are duty bound.”

Cornwall Councillor and vice chair of the meeting, Peter La Broy supported Insp Hughes’ efforts, adding: “Funding cuts give you a difficult job. If we have children taking these tranquilising drugs, what on earth? As community leaders what can we do to help to divert these issues?”

Insp Hughes said: “I haven’t been telling you of these issues and you as a council are a spoke in a wheel of contacts and if I can influence you and make you aware, it could make a difference.”

At the meeting, several comments were made in regards to Bude’s vulnerability on a Friday and Saturday night, when officers are having to take people to Newquay.

Insp Hughes said: “One big help is the local town CCTV, they can see issues developing before we can, they can get street pastors there to get people to help.”

Mayor of Bude Bob Willingham, suggested reopening Bude Police Station, but Insp Hughes was sure that idea won’t be a possibility.

“Before the station opens we want one in Callington and Camelford, in those areas we don’t have offices. I understand the frustration but I don’t think this will happen. We have made those positions redundant and there may be some issues to have redundancies and filling it with volunteers.

“What I would encourage, is for you to raise this issue with the PCSOs at other network events.”

Panel chair, Cllr Nicky Chopak, invited Insp Hughes to return to another community panel meeting to update members further.