Police officers tackle anti-social behaviour and alleged shoplifting in Exmouth

On Saturday 27 April officers from the Exmouth Neighbourhood Police Team were supported by colleagues from Rural East Devon and Mid Devon police sectors. The officers provided an increased police presence in Exmouth town centre to reassure the public and carry out arrests. This follows isolated incidents of disorder by youths which took place earlier this month.

Exmouth Sector Inspector Grant Leitch explained: “Our neighbourhood policing teams are committed to this new way of working where we can rapidly move resources to the towns or villages where necessary and concentrate our efforts to achieve the best results. This means that we can focus our resources to deal with whatever issues concern the public most.

“The aim of the high visibility officer patrols on Saturday was to engage with the public, as well as reassure retailers and address any criminality or anti-social behaviour which was encountered.”

A suspect was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and public order offences. He was charged for both matters and has been summonsed to court for these and other shoplifting charges. A second man was arrested and subsequently charged with three shoplifting offences, theft of a pensioner’s purse, fraud and handling stolen goods. He was held overnight in police custody and presented to court the next morning; he is on court bail until mid-June.    

Inspector Grant Leitch continued: “Our neighbourhood team, including Police Community Support Officers, sought feedback from local businesses and other partner agencies, about policing in the area. The comments were positive and confirmed that the presence of our teams, on the streets, being amongst our communities, is strengthening, reassuring and a positive use of our resources. We aim to continue to provide a good service to local people and listen to their concerns.”

The local neighbourhood police team organise regular events for residents to go and talk to officers face to face and ask questions or raise any concerns they may have. Local people can also pick up crime prevention advice and the team are keen for more attendees.

The next opportunities to meet some of the local police team are: Wed 1 May between 6pm-9pm at Exmouth Police Station, Thurs 2 May at Seachange in Budleigh Salterton 11am-12pm, Thurs 9 May 11am-12pm at Exmouth Library, Friday 10 May between 11am-12pm at The Maltsters Arms, Woodbury, Thurs 16 May from 10.30am at Budleigh Emporium on High St, Budleigh Salterton, Wed 29 May 6pm-9pm at Exmouth Police Station and Thurs 30 May 11am-12pm at Wesleys, Fore St, Budleigh Salterton. Officers also plan to be at the Exmouth Pride event on Sat 22 June at Manor Gardens (subject to operational demands). Please come along and say hello.         

For updates on your local neighbourhood team visit www.dc.police.uk or follow Exmouth Police on Facebook. To report crime information to independent charity Crimestoppers please call 0800 555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org

The latest ONS (Office of National Statistics) crime stats, issued on 25 April 2024, have confirmed that Devon and Cornwall are among the safest counties in England and Wales - with the second lowest crime rate of all police force areas.

Like other forces around the country, Devon & Cornwall Police are dealing with the consequences of the ongoing cost of living crisis. This is reflected in the figures with a rise in theft and other acquisitive crime. For example, the Force has seen a rise in shoplifting offences but still has the third lowest rate of any police area in the country for that type of crime.