Ivybridge Police Station reopens as a police enquiry office

Ivybridge, Tavistock and Liskeard have reopened to the public in the last six weeks to allow members of the public to access police walk-in services.

Members of the public will be able to speak to trained members of staff who can help with crime reporting, crime prevention advice and accessing victim services. Police stations and front desks offer a place of safety for victims and a personal contact between communities and the police.

Around two-thirds of public police stations across the UK were closed between 2010 and 2023, alongside cuts in policing budgets. 

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "In 2020, Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez promised to open a number of police enquiry offices (PEOs) over the next five years across Devon and Cornwall.

"The first PEO to be reopened was in Newquay in 2020. Tiverton, Newton Abbot, Truro, Falmouth, Penzance, Bude PEOs followed in 2021-22.  Then in October 2023 to February 2024, Okehampton, Ilfracombe, Honiton, Kingsbridge, Devonport and Looe also opened.

"In 2025, Ivybridge, Tavistock and Liskeard have been opened. Exeter city office is the only one remaining – due to be opened later this year, making a total of 17 reopened since 2020, and 26 PEOs open across Devon & Cornwall all together."

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: "I am delighted to open three more police stations to the public. These front desks are an invaluable asset to communities, and I encourage the residents of Ivybridge, Liskeard and Tavistock to make use of them to report crime, get advice or find out information about getting help as a victim of crime for friends and family.

"They also offer a place of safety to people of all ages who feel are at risk or frightened.

"I would like to thank the fantastic police enquiry officers who listen and help support everyone who enters. Since May 2024 more than 72,000 people have used police enquiry offices, which shows real value with relatively little investment; the project to date has cost just £2.5m. 

"Investing in our communities to show the police are by their side and accessible is one of the achievements I am most proud of, as I am told time and again how important it is to the residents of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to have a choice of how they can contact their police force. Having a visible presence in the heart of a town or city boosts confidence in policing and helps to create stronger, more connected and resilient communities."

Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable, James Vaughan QPM, said: "Opening more police station front offices across Devon and Cornwall is a great way to improve public access to the police and boost engagement with our communities, enabling us to respond quicker and more effectively to public concerns.

"We are and will continue to improve the visibility and accessibility of Devon and Cornwall Police to our communities. I believe that providing the public with opportunities to speak to the police face to face is essential to build confidence and trust in all our communities."

Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Leaper, force lead for contact services, said: "Our Police Enquiry Officers will be assisting colleagues in the control rooms by handling non-emergency contact from the public and will also provide the local community with another contact option."

All opening times for police stations can be found on the Devon and Cornwall Police website.

The drive to provide communities in Ivybridge, Tavistock and Liskeard with more ways to contact the police will be highlighted by a formal opening event on 20 February at Ivybridge Police Station.