“We want to make sure it is a very safe place”
Miles O’Leary Senior Content Editor, Filipa Gaspar and SWNS
13:27, 22 Jun 2025
General views of Newquay Beach in 2025(Image: William Dax / SWNS)
A West Country beach destination with a boozy reputation has expanded an operation to target “silly or dangerous” behaviour.
Newquay, Cornwall’s party hotspot, is distributing a large network of walkie talkies so local businesses, lifeguards and police can be easily alerted of anyone causing trouble.
Despite boasting some of the country’s most stunning beaches, the resort has previously been marred by shoplifting and alcohol-related problems, particularly underage drinking and raucous stag parties.
However, nearly 100 walkie talkies have now been handed out, enabling locals to report incidents and communicate to prevent trouble from escalating at any time, reports Cornwall Live.
This initiative, led by Newquay’s Business Improvement District (BID) and backed by the police and crime commission, aims to tackle anti-social behaviour, underage drinking, and petty crime.
Mark Warren, Newquay BID manager, clarified that the walkie talkies are not intended to “replace a 999 or a 111 call”, but rather to make businesses “feel safer”.
He explained: “This could literally be someone causing a problem at the beach and heading to the high street. If anybody is being silly or dangerous we would be aware of them rather than it being too late.
“We can link between the shops any ASB (antisocial behaviour) and we can link in anything related to low level crime. It is not just about dealing with shoplifting.
“In the peak centre there will be thousands of people at those beaches so it keeps everybody safe.
Newquay BID manager Mark Warren(Image: SWNS)
“It is no different to any town beach or resort but of course you are going to have people drinking more and having a bit more fun. But if it does happen we have these things to keep people safe.
“It is more of a family town, a wellbeing place. But on top of that I want to make sure it is a very safe place.”
The latest walkie talkies come on top of 80 already used in the town at shops and pubs, explained Mr Warren.
He added: “It is an umbrella approach to the town. We have got a clear safety business that are in communication with each other. We have got a safety blanket that we can utilise.
“Our beaches are used all year around – people come to the beaches and use them all around the year; this is something we will be doing ongoing.”
Charlotte Larkin, 30, who runs the family business The Pet Centre, said they have had the walkie talkies for a year now.
In the past they have had shoplifting issues but the new system has helped reduce professional shoplifting across their business and town.
Charlotte Larkin at The Pet Centre, Newquay(Image: SWNS)
Charlotte commented: “It has been very helpful. Even if we see someone who is prolific we will let the shops know. As soon as they know they have been watched they won’t try it.
“It is very important just for general communications through the town. If there’s an argument going through the town or shoplifting we know it is going on.
“I think everybody is very active in the community in general. We had a shoplifter a couple weeks ago and we posted it on the Newquay pages and within a couple of days the guy came in and paid his bill.
“The more we look proactive whether it is with the radios or cameras it is definitely making a difference.”
Meanwhile, Jenny Brian, 34, manager of Fistral Surf School, mentioned that while they’ve not encountered any issues with anti-social behaviour, they recognise the importance of having systems in place in such a bustling area.
They are among the establishments equipped with a two-way radio system.
She expressed: “They are a good initiative to have in Newquay and it is a good way to communicate with businesses especially on anti-social behaviour.
“We haven’t had any problems with it but it is a busy town so it is good to have procedures in place.
“We have had it for a week. We have got one on load for the summer months. They are a preventative thing and Newquay is very safe but it is always good to have additional measures in place. I think Newquay has been the most proactive on it.
“There’s lots of families who visit which is great. We are a tourist destination and it is nice to have all the visitors we get in the summer.”