Police in Exeter look forward to the new year and share successful results from their latest operation

Police in Exeter have revealed their latest results following high visibility patrols over the festive period.

Officers in the city stepped up patrols over Christmas and New Year to keep shoppers and visitors safe. The area was busy with extra people in the city centre enjoying the Cathedral Green festive market and other seasonal activities.

Police work closely with partners such as the council and local charities and the positive work will continue into the new year with more foot patrols and community contact.

Inspector Simon Arliss, who heads up the Exeter sector for Devon & Cornwall Police, said: “The Neighbourhood Police Teams in Exeter work hard all year round to give a good service to the public and keep communities safe. There can be increased challenges throughout December and my officers are out and about taking part in high visibility patrols to ensure public engagement is key and we are there when needed.

“They do a fantastic job, along with our response officers who deal with the emergency calls from the public. We also have great support from force volunteers such as Special Constables and we are supported by other agencies such as the Police Chaplains and Exeter Street Pastors.”

Between 11 December 2023 and 7 January this year officers on foot patrol in Exeter city centre responded to around 90 incidents and carried out eight drugs seizures. Police logged more than 70 occurrences of community engagement and made 25 arrests for a variety of crimes, including possession/supply of drugs, public order offences, theft, assault, possession of offensive weapons and criminal damage.    

A total of 18 stop and searches were carried out and five knives were seized from people.

Police also carried out 18 Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) dispersals for anti-social behaviour and refusal to surrender alcohol. One other person was fined for flouting a PSPO order.

Public Spaces Protection Orders were introduced in 2014, sit amongst a broad range of powers and tools for councils to help tackle anti-social behaviour locally. PSPOs are aimed at ensuring public spaces such as parks can be enjoyed by everyone free from intimidation or fear of crime.

For further updates about your local Neighbourhood Police Team please follow Exeter Police on Facebook. You can also visit the council’s website to find out more about local initiatives to keep residents safe. Safer Exeter - Exeter City Council