Police in Exmouth offer advice during Safer Business Action Week

As part of Safer Business Action Week Devon & Cornwall Police will be out and about speaking to local traders and retailers about any concerns they may have.

The national week of action begins on Monday 14 October and will see police and partners across the country joining together to use a variety of tactics to decrease business crime in their communities.

Crime and the fear of crime can impact on the profitability of a business. Police and partnership agencies aim to reduce shoplifting and anti-social behaviour as well as other crimes such as cyber-crime or scams. The week provides an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between retail, security, and police by sharing information, using technology to identify prolific offenders and tailoring policing solutions to tackle crime.

Exmouth Police Community Support Officer Chris Ball will be at Exmouth Library on Monday 14, Tuesday 15, Thursday 17, and Friday 18 October from 10am to 12 noon. He can answer questions and give prevention advice on things like fraud and scams. Anyone with concerns about their business and crime or anyone who needs advice on reporting incidents can come along for a chat. 

The local neighbourhood police team have been working hard to focus on certain shopping areas in Exmouth, including the Magnolia Centre and The Strand. In recent months officers have taken action against prolific shoplifters, managing to secure a Criminal Behaviour Order which has removed one particular offender out of the town. Police have also dealt with a group of youths who were committing offences of anti-social behaviour (ASB). They have been put through the courts and are subject to the ASB escalation process.  

Police have carried out high visibility hotspot foot patrols over the summer and have been supported by the Exmouth street marshals who also speak to businesses in the town. The double crewed marshals provide further public reassurance and share information with police. 

Assistant Chief Constable of Devon & Cornwall Police, Glen Mayhew, said: “We are aware of the impact that business crime can have on our communities. Tackling this issue remains a priority for the Force, and weeks of action like this are ideal times for us to demonstrate what we are doing, and will continue to do, to help protect local businesses. By taking a collaborative and proactive approach, we can deploy resources to specific locations on patrol and directly target offenders.”

For more information about the national week of action please visit Safer Business Action Week (nbcc.police.uk)