Exeter’s Community Safety Team is making a real difference for visitors and businesses in the city centre, helping to tackle anti-social behaviour and ensuring everyone can enjoy a safe, vibrant and welcoming environment.
City Council Leader Cllr Phil Bialyk and Lead Councillor for City Centre Cllr Lucy Findlay recently joined Exeter’s Community Safety Team on patrol to see first-hand how its visible presence and rapid response is making a difference.
The team works closely with neighbourhood policing teams and the council’s CCTV control centre, regularly sharing intelligence.
The presence of officers provides reassurance, helps deter anti-social behaviour and allows team members to offer help and advice to people in the city centre. The team also supports enforcement of the Public Spaces Protection Order, for example by confiscating open alcohol containers.
Cllr Bialyk said: “It was great to join the Community Safety Team which have been prioritised and implemented by the Labour-led Council following community feedback.
“They reassure the public, support our businesses and help tackle anti-social behaviour quickly and effectively by building relationships and trust, stopping needless escalation and saving police time and resource.
“Exeter city centre has so much to be proud of from a commercial perspective - from a strong footfall to low levels of empty shops. It remains a fantastic place to visit, work and spend time, and we are determined to keep working with our partners to make it safe and welcoming for everyone.”
Exeter City Council introduced the Community Safety Team in 2024 to tackle anti-social behaviour and provide a visible, reassuring presence in the city centre.
Following the pilot, the council agreed funding of £335,390 to make the service permanent and expand it across Exeter.
The team patrols the city centre as well as parks, open spaces, cemeteries and local shopping centres, working alongside Devon & Cornwall Police, the Council’s CCTV Control Room, business organisations including InExeter, and other city partners.
Officers are accredited under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme and have specific powers to request a name and address in relation to anti-social behaviour, as well as sharing information and intelligence with the police.
Cllr Findlay thanked the team for their work and said the Council was committed to ensuring that the city centre remains a great place to visit.
She said: “Our new Labour-led City Centre Strategy gives us a clear framework for action and puts safety, inclusion and a positive visitor experience at the heart of our plans.
“The Community Safety Team is an excellent example of practical partnership working that makes a real and visible difference. We want residents, businesses and visitors to feel confident that Exeter is a safe, welcoming and thriving city.”
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