Bodmin Police Crack Down On Crime And Exploitation

Police in Bodmin, Cornwall, have stepped up their efforts to curb crime and exploitation in the community, launching a series of enforcement actions aimed at protecting vulnerable residents and restoring public confidence. Over the past two weeks, authorities have targeted both persistent offenders and properties linked to criminal exploitation, signaling a renewed commitment to community safety in this historic Cornish town.

On January 20, 2026, Devon and Cornwall Police served partial closure orders on two properties in Bodmin after receiving reports that the tenants were being targeted and used by criminals in a practice known as "cuckooing." According to BBC Cornwall, cuckooing involves offenders taking over someone’s home and using it for their own gain, often leaving the legitimate occupant frightened, isolated, and trapped in their own residence. These closure orders, which will remain in effect for three months, make it illegal for any visitors to enter the addresses except for the named tenant, police officers, social workers, and health professionals.

"These orders are an important step for us to take action against those who choose to take advantage of others in our community," Inspector Adam Stonehill, who leads the local neighborhood policing team, told BBC Cornwall. "Our officers will be enforcing these orders, imposing relevant consequences to any individuals who shouldn't be there." The message is clear: anyone who breaches the order could face a fine, imprisonment, or both.

The crackdown isn’t limited to property-related exploitation. Just days after the closure orders were issued, local law enforcement found themselves dealing with a familiar figure. On January 26, 2026, a Bodmin man was arrested again for defying a banning order—a legal measure previously imposed to keep him away from certain areas and businesses following a string of thefts, particularly involving alcohol. As reported by el-Balad, the individual has an extensive criminal history and is well known among local shopkeepers and residents. His repeated offenses have left many in Bodmin questioning the effectiveness of current deterrence measures and calling for stronger enforcement.

"The repeated arrests of this Bodmin man illustrate the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing persistent offenders," el-Balad noted. Despite the banning orders intended to prevent further crimes, the suspect’s continued defiance underscores the difficulties in balancing rehabilitation and public safety. Residents have voiced their concerns, with several advocating for more robust interventions to ensure that habitual offenders do not undermine the sense of security in their neighborhoods.

The recent enforcement actions form part of a broader police initiative to tackle both individual and systemic threats to community well-being. On January 13, 2026, police in Bodmin had already begun serving enforcement orders on properties suspected of being used for criminal purposes. According to Filmogaz, these orders—effective for three months—restrict access to the properties, limiting entry only to named tenants, police officers, social workers, and health professionals. The aim, as stated by local authorities, is to "tackle exploitation in Bodmin properties, ensuring a safer environment for residents and supporting responsible tenancy."

Anyone found violating the terms of these orders faces serious repercussions. The penalties for breaching a closure or enforcement order include fines, imprisonment, or both. Inspector Stonehill emphasized the importance of these measures, stating: "We take these offences very seriously. Keeping people safe from harm remains at the core of what we do, and our team will continue to do all they can to protect vulnerable people from being a victim of crime."

Police are not working alone in these efforts. They have partnered with local support services to ensure that affected tenants receive the help they need to stay safe and regain control of their homes. This collaborative approach is vital, as many victims of cuckooing and property exploitation are left feeling anxious, withdrawn, or afraid—sometimes too intimidated to seek help themselves. By working closely with social workers and health professionals, law enforcement aims to break the cycle of exploitation and provide a pathway to recovery for those impacted.

Authorities are also encouraging the public to stay vigilant and report any signs of exploitation in their neighborhoods. Inspector Stonehill outlined several warning signs to watch for, including an increase in the number of people entering a property at unusual times, unfamiliar vehicles parked outside an address, the occupant appearing anxious or withdrawn, and the property itself becoming unkempt, damaged, or neglected. Community awareness, he stressed, is a critical component in preventing further abuse and ensuring timely intervention.

These recent developments come at a time when Bodmin, like many towns across the UK, is grappling with the dual challenges of persistent individual offenders and more organized forms of exploitation. The repeated arrest of the local man for breaching his banning order has reignited debate about the adequacy of current legal tools. While banning and closure orders are designed to protect the public and disrupt criminal activity, their effectiveness depends on consistent enforcement and, in some cases, additional support for both victims and offenders.

Local residents have expressed a range of opinions. Some believe that the police are doing all they can within the limits of the law, pointing to the swift action taken in recent weeks as evidence of a proactive approach. Others argue that more needs to be done, whether through tougher sentencing, expanded rehabilitation services, or greater investment in community support networks to address the root causes of repeat offending and exploitation.

For many in Bodmin, the hope is that these measures will mark a turning point. The partial closure orders, the crackdown on persistent offenders, and the close collaboration with support agencies represent a multi-pronged strategy to restore a sense of safety and trust. As Inspector Stonehill put it, "Our team will continue to do all they can to protect vulnerable people from being a victim of crime."

As the three-month period for the closure and enforcement orders unfolds, all eyes will be on Bodmin to see whether these initiatives can deliver lasting change—or whether further steps will be needed to keep this Cornish community safe for everyone.