Looe, a tourist town in Cornwall, has spent £14,500 on employing security marshals over the summer holidays to address concerns about shoplifting and anti-social behavior. This initiative comes as police numbers in the area have been reduced.
The marshals, who patrolled the town's beaches and streets from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, were funded by the town council and the Looe Business Forum, which comprises 40 local businesses. Their role was described by Brian Stoyel, Mayor of Saltash, as advising individuals and "nipping it in the bud" rather than making arrests. Stephen Remington, Mayor of Looe, stated that the marshals were intended to make the town "much safer and more pleasant" for visitors and residents.
In addition to their preventative role, the marshals also assisted with other community needs, including reuniting lost children and aiding a young person in distress in the sea. Locals and business owners have reported a decrease in anti-social behavior, with one shop owner calling the marshals a "credit to the town."
Separately, Saltash Town Council allocated £6,000 for water patrols during a trial period from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day. Peter Friend, chairman of the Looe Business Forum, explained that the decision to hire marshals was an effort to "augment" the reduced police presence.
This situation follows a separate incident in July where hundreds of teenagers gathered on Polzeath beach for parties, leading Devon and Cornwall Police to issue a dispersal order. Dispersal orders are typically reserved for more significant public disturbances.