Extra police patrols tackle anti-social behaviour around Devon

More than 60 arrests made

Police have carried out more than 2,000 extra hours of foot patrols already this year in anti-social behaviour hotspots including Barstaple, Exeter, Plymouth and Torquay.

The home office has provided Devon and Cornwall’s police and crime commissioer with £11 million, which Alison Hernandez is spending on extra police and street marshals to crack down on anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence. 

Writing in her regular column for local media she said: “The increased presence of police officers works as a preventative measure to deter crime.”

More than 60 arrests have been made, and 70 ‘stop searches’ have resulted in nine offensive weapons being confiscated, more than 30 drug seizures, more than 35 instances of stolen goods being recovered and more than 30 occasions in which alcohol has been taken off people.

Ms Hernandez said more than 8,000 members of the public had spoken to the extra officers.

“It’s excellent to hear that the feedback from the patrols has been very positive with both residents and businesses pleased to see more police on the streets,” she said.

And, she added, the response to the summer influx of visitors would see extra daily patrols in key areas including  Exmouth, Newton Abbot and Paignton.

Street marshal patrols are now working in Barnstaple, Bideford, Exeter, Exmouth, Newton Abbot and Plymouth, as well as a number of towns in Cornwall.

“It’s been fantastic to have the support of the local authorities in setting up these patrols and to see that the street marshals will be working alongside the police, sharing insights and delivering joint patrols,” said the commissioner.

“I will be continuing to ensure that ASB is tackled in our communities”