Devon & Cornwall Police is issuing a Christmas message to its communities and is wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year.

Temporary Chief Constable Jim Colwell said: “As we approach the end of 2022, I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on the significant events that have taken place this year that have affected us all. Some have brought great joy while others have caused many people a degree of uncertainty, sadness and even fear.

“We have celebrated some fantastic national events, including the women’s England football team winning the Euros, our athletes competing in the Commonwealth Games and the men’s football team making it to the quarter finals of the World Cup in Qatar.

“We also saw our communities across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly come together to celebrate the fantastic 70-year reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It was an amazing sight to see our villages, towns and cities awash with bunting and street parties.

“Very sadly it was only three months later when the entire world united in grief following her passing in September. This was also a time of mixed emotions as we welcomed King Charles III as head of the Royal Family.

“The heart-breaking war in Ukraine has devasted the lives of millions of innocent people and we have welcomed a number of Ukrainians to the safety of our counties.

“The conflict has also had a major effect on our economy, driving up prices of fuel and food and leading to many people suffering financial hardship.

“I am acutely aware that with the cost-of-living crisis there will be individuals, families and entire communities who have experienced difficult times this year and many will continue to do so. We know that more and more people are turning to foodbanks in order to survive. Please look out for each other during this difficult time.

“It has been yet another busy and exciting year for Devon & Cornwall Police, having experienced the highest demand over the summer for a number of years. Our fantastic contact management staff, frontline officers and volunteers have responded to just under 300,000 emergency 999 calls, 215,000 non-emergency calls and in excess of 208,000 digital contacts.

“We have also continued to welcome new student officers to the Force this year as part of the National Uplift programme and I wish them well as they begin their policing journey. Working alongside Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, the Force has re-opened front desks within four police stations, enabling the public to speak to a contact officer face-to-face. A further two front desks are planned to be re-opened early 2023 with all six operating on full opening hours by the end of January.

“Despite all the challenges we have faced this year our officers, staff and volunteers have continued to serve our communities with commitment, professionalism and dedication. Day in day out, they work tirelessly, alongside our partners, to save lives, protect our communities and safeguard the vulnerable.

“I have been very proud to temporarily lead this fantastic police force and we are very excited to be welcoming Will Kerr to Devon & Cornwall Police when he arrives at the end of December as the new Chief Constable.

“Finally, I would like to pay tribute to all officers, staff and emergency service colleagues who will be working over the Christmas and New Year period, sacrificing time with their loved ones to keep everyone safe.

“I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”