Exmouth's Neighbourhood Police Team was out tackling 'youth disorder' in Exmouth Magnolia Centre on Saturday (April 27).

The officers provided an increased police presence in Exmouth town centre to reassure the public and carry out arrests with colleagues from Rural East Devon Police.

The increased police presence follows isolated incidents of disorder by youths which took place earlier this month.

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.   

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.

Exmouth Police are holding surgeries on 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.

Exmouth Sector Inspector Grant Leitch said: “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.”   

“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.

To report crime information to independent charity Crimestoppers please call 0800 555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org