CRIME during the final Run to the Sun (RTTS) festival weekend in Newquay almost halved year on year, police have revealed.
There were 34 offences recorded between Friday and Monday, compared to 64 for the same period last year, and 14 people were arrested.
The resort's police force was supported by extra officers, as well as dog handlers and the ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) team, who were stopping motorists.
Special Constables from as far as Exeter put in a total of 187 hours over the weekend, while British Transport Police helped kick off this year's Operation Brunel, "meeting and greeting" revellers arriving by train.
Alcohol was confiscated at the railway station and one person was arrested after being found in possession of an offensive weapon.
Inspector Dave Meredith paid tribute to the work of his officers, and to the Newquay Safe partnership, which has been pushing to make the town safer since two teenagers died in drunken cliff falls in 2009.
He said: "I am pleased to say that the majority of visitors to Newquay for RTTS were very well behaved. The reduction in recorded crime of 46 per cent compared to the previous year speaks volumes. I was pleased to see both Street Safe and Street Pastors operating over the weekend, providing care and support to vulnerable persons.
"There were numerous incidents of minor disorder in the town centre, however due to the strong visible police presence, the majority of these incidents were quickly brought under control before any crime was committed.
"We have received considerable feedback from the public, commenting on how well they thought the event was policed, and how the town has changed to being far more family orientated over the last few years. Considerable credit must be given to the Newquay Safe partnership for this positive change to the town's reputation."
He also thanked Mike Finnegan, operations director at Trevelgue Holiday Park, which hosts RTTS, for his close co-operation with police over the last 17 years. RTTS has been running for 27 years.
Mr Meredith said: "Although RTTS has presented some considerable challenges to policing over the years it has run, it has traditionally been seen as the start point of the towns summer, and has generated considerable revenue for the towns businesses over the years. Mike has always worked closely with Newquay police and has provided great support to our events planning and operational policing over the years."
Geoff Brown, Cornwall councillor for Newquay central, added: "The success of this year's event and the huge reduction in crime is a great tribute to the combined efforts of the whole Newquay Safe partnership and especially the highly visible and effective presence of the police, under the leadership of Dave Meredith. It is very reassuring to the public in general that we have such a dedicated team looking after our town."
