Extra police patrols will be on duty in Exmouth town centre and the beach area as the town copes with a huge influx of summer visitors.

The police say they will do their best to keep everyone safe, and will deal 'robustly' with any alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour.

(Image: Devon and Cornwall Police)

Inspector Grant Leitch, who heads up the Exmouth police sector, said: “Inevitably the increase in visitors means a rise in reported incidents and calls for police assistance. We have a range of measures to help deal with the extra summer demand and my neighbourhood team are working hard to be out and about in the community and help as many people as possible."

The extra patrols have been brought in thanks to Home Office ‘hotspot’ funding. They will be supported by local street marshal patrols, thanks to East Devon District Council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon & Cornwall.   

Hotspot policing areas are selected according to demand, and officers can pinpoint certain areas and crime patterns. Research allows the police to tailor their shifts to when the public might need them most so that offences can be prevented and reassurance levels increased.  

Inspector Leitch added: “We would ask the public to assist us by taking sensible precautions such as looking after their children and making sure they follow basic crime prevention advice, such as not leaving valuables unattended or leaving doors and windows open at their properties. We would also urge people to take care around water and swim by the parts of the beach covered by lifeguards. 

“Hot weather and excess alcohol is not a good mix and we will deal with any anti-social behaviour or assaults in a robust manner. We want local residents and visitors to enjoy our lovely town of Exmouth and go home with happy memories - we understand that tourism is very important for this area. We don’t want anyone to become a victim of crime and we would ask the public to be vigilant and report any incidents to us via the 101 non-emergency number or via our Force website.”     

During the summer police work closely with partners such as British Transport Police, local councils, RNLI, HM Coastguard, NHS and local retailers and businesses, as well as the nearby holiday parks.

Insp Grant Leitch added: “As well as my fantastic team of local officers here in Exmouth who are proud to serve their communities, I can also call upon extra resources from police colleagues in places such as Exeter and South Devon. We also have Forcewide, specialist teams who can be deployed to the area as and when necessary to tackle issues such as drug dealing or shoplifting.      

Devon & Cornwall is one of the safest force areas in England and Wales according to latest ONS crime stats. Only Wiltshire Police and North Yorkshire Police have lower levels of crime per 1,000 population.   

To report an incident or information to police, visit the Report page of the Devon & Cornwall Police website.