Safety team to tackle anti-social behaviour

There will be five members of the Community Safety Team on the streets of Exeter seven days a week

A new patrol team is being launched to help tackle anti-social behaviour in Exeter city centre.

The Community Safety Team, made up of three people, aims to curb street drinking, shoplifting and "aggressive begging".

Police, business leaders and the council have worked together and pooled resources to set up the project.

Insp Nathan Johnson, who leads Exeter’s neighbourhood policing team, said the new initiative was "a real gamechanger" for the city.

Insp Nathan Johnson said police would work closely with the Community Safety Team

'Safe and secure'

He said: "We’ll be working together to reduce anti-social behaviour and violent street crime."

The police and crime commissioner for Devon and Cornwall has funded additional patrols to work with the community safety team.

A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced in Exeter in June 2022.

It means police can tell anyone drinking alcohol in the street or involved in "aggressive begging" to leave the city centre.

Paco Gomez said he regularly witnessed anti-social behaviour on the streets of Exeter

Paco Gomez, who owns the La Lola restaurant in Fore Street, said he was dismayed at the amount of anti-social behaviour, street drinking and drug dealing he witnessed on the street.

He said: "There are people selling drugs in the middle of the street - it's not a safe place."

Charmain Aubury, who was selling eggs at the weekly market on South Street, said there were a lot of issues with drugs and street-drinking in the area.

She welcomed the launch of the Community Safety Team and said: "It's good to know they are going to come and keep us safe."

Nicola Wheeler is chief executive of InExeter, the city's business improvement district

Nicola Wheeler, chief executive of InExeter, the city's business improvement district, said: "We aim to create a more welcoming environment for visitors and shoppers, ultimately supporting local businesses and promoting economic growth."

Councillor Laura Wright, deputy leader of Exeter City Council, acknowledged anti-social behaviour was having an "impact on the experience of other residents and people visiting Exeter".

She said the new team would "help to ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy all that Exeter has to offer while feeling safe and secure at all times".