Unions say they have serious concerns about changes to policing in Devon and Cornwall which come into force today.

Many officers will be working across larger areas, as Plymouth is now classed as one policing area within the region instead of three.

Some senior detectives and community officers will also have to work night shifts for the first time - to accommodate the 700 officer posts being lost over the next four years.

Unions say police resources will inevitably be squeezed because there are fewer officers to go around.

Nigel Rabbits from the police federation says his one major concern is that high areas of demand such as the city centre will use many of the officers, leaving other areas short.

Chief superintendent Andy Bickley, who is responsible for Plymouth, says having less officers doesn't necessarily mean crime will suddenly rise. He says it's about finding new and more efficient ways to work, although he acknowledges they will have to prioritise.