ASB driving.
The boundary of this is sector wide so encompasses Exmouth seafront as much as issues on the Ottery patch such as the much raised ‘tunnel’. This whole patch approach reflects that the A3052 is our one designated ‘high harm route’. Our aim is not to stop people driving modified cars, quite the opposite, we must encourage people to come to our towns, however they must do it in a safe and considerate way.

Issued 20 October 2025

The team continue to utilise the Roads Policing Unit to conduct operations around the sector targeting those areas such as Queens Drive Exmouth, Clyst Honiton tunnel and Lime kiln Budleigh Salterton. Aside, the local neighbourhood and patrol teams are out constantly supported by our special constable colleagues using extra skills they have provided by Vision Zero.

Actioned 20 January 2026

Illegal retail shops.
This is targeted specifically at shops that are using immigrant staff of what ever status, to sell counterfeit/smuggled/illegal tobacco/vapes. The parameters of this are the requirement to be a premise and it does not include random street tactics at this time. The purpose of this is work with partners around illegal immigration including status breaches, organised immigration crime, smuggling and the sale of potentially dangerous counterfeit goods.
Our aim is to protect vulnerable migrant workers, protect the local community from illicit goods and to protect the local retailers from economic loss.

Issued 20 October 2025

The team have worked closely with Trading Standards, Immigration enforcement and the local authorities to successfully gain closure orders on two premises in Exmouth Town. Tens of thousands of pounds was seized as wells as 100's of thousands in counterfeit and smuggled tobacco. This is handled by Trading Standards. The team maintains an eye across the whole sector including Ottery St Mary and Budleigh Salterton for new premises. We have shared our knowledge across Devon and it has been used to expeditiously close premises elsewhere. It should be noted that whilst we recognise the concerns around 'Turkish Barbers', it is covered by different legislations.

Actioned 20 January 2026

Drug related ASB.
This is a whole sector priority reflecting the fact that this effects not just Exmouth town but also Budleigh, Cranbrook, West Clyst, Etc. We will work to tackle either proactively or reactively, reports of drug use be it street or residential, that are blighting a community. This will include working with partners to not only seek prosecutions and target harden an area, but also to displace problem perpetrators out of that community.

Issued 20 October 2025

The team does a huge amount of work around drug intelligence development as well as warrants/raids. In the first 10 months of 2025, we have, as a result of targeted work, sent numerous class A drug suppliers to prison and others have been convicted. Thousands of pounds has been forfeited under the Proceeds of Crime Act and we have supported local community groups to gain access to that to support their activities and sport locally. Drugs supply continues to blight our communities due to anti-social behaviour at addresses and 2025 has seen a drugs related murder in Exmouth as a result of dispute between rival supply groups. We always welcome any intelligence or information that will allow us to target these individuals in our urban and rural communities robustly.

Actioned 20 January 2026

Exmouth town centre/seafront ASB.
This is an existing Public Spaces Protection Order and hotspot policing zone. We will continue to target this through the summer months around street drinking, unruly beach parties, generic ASB and youth/VAWG (violence against women and girls) vulnerabilities. Our aim is to make the space safe for all to use and enjoy reflecting the seasonal nature and importance this space has to the local economy and attractiveness of the area. We absolutely must not drive young people away from dedicated spaces where they are to an extent safe. That has potential vulnerability/VAWG related issues.

Issued 20 October 2025

The East Devon District Council PSPO remains in place with a review in March 2026. This gives powers to the police and council wardens to deal with ASB caused by individuals. Aside from this, Exmouth town was identified as a 'hotspot' under Home Office guidance and was allocated extra funding for policing and warden activities. There has been a 54% reduction in ASB reports in the last year. Officers have targeted specific groups of street drinkers that were causing problems in the Strand and there has been a notable reduction in their presence through the summer.
The summer was one of outstanding weather and saw a high influx of tourism to the sector including Exmouth beach and town. With the exception of a couple of isolated incidents of youth disorder, we saw no trend of youth related ASB on the beaches and in town. It should be noted that what did occur did not involve young people from Exmouth but reflects the fact that the town and beach are at the end of a train line. Teignmouth sees similar issues with persons accessing areas easily via train for parties. Extra policing was put in place around exam and term break ups. ASB, whilst perceived to be youth based, is often caused by adults. We have tackled some rouge beggars who, it should be noted, are not legitimate, as well as other harassing street vendors. We feel that the spring and summer have on the whole, passed very well with little incident.
This does not include anti-social use of vehicles which is listed separately.

Actioned 20 January 2026