Arrests in Exeter city centre crackdown

Eight held in 'nighttime economy' initiative

Eight people have been arrested in Exeter city centre in a police crackdown to tackle violence against women and girls, and violence and anti-social behaviour in general. 

Plainclothes and uniformed officers took part over the weekend as part of a national scheme called Project Vigilant.

Officers arrested four people on Friday night, including for drink driving, drunk and disorderly, assaulting a police officer, criminal damage, and causing harassment, alarm, and distress. They also issued two men with public spaces protection orders, which are put in place by councils to move on people committing certain acts, such as drinking in public.

On Saturday night, police made four arrests, two for drunk and disorderly, and two for assault (one of which directly related to violence against women).

Commander for North, East, and West Devon, Chief Superintendent Dan Evans said: “The purpose of this action is not only to disrupt predatory behaviour, but to reassure and safeguard the public, particularly women and girls, and provide that reassurance that my officers are on patrol and are approachable if needed.

“High visibility patrols have also been increased around areas where we have received reports of anti-social behaviour and violence.

“We want to make Exeter a place where people can live their lives free from the fear of violence and intimidation. We don’t feel that this is an unrealistic request, and we will endeavour to do what we can so that people feel safe and confident to be out.”

Chief Superintendent Dan Evans continued: “My team routinely carry out these operations across the city and work extremely closely with Exeter City Council CCTV operators who, through Safer Streets funding, have updated numerous cameras dotted around the city meaning predatory behaviour is being picked up by these operators. The operators keep in contact with both police and door-staff, directing action as required. This really is partnership working at its best.

“My teams were not only inside licenced premises but were also outside of them in the city’s nightspots such as Gandy Street and Queen’s Street on the lookout to identify individuals involved in predatory behaviour, and individuals involved in violence and anti-social behaviour.

"People should be able to go out at night without the feeling unsafe. We hope that our presence assists in making people safer and serves as a warning to potential predators that intimidation will not be tolerated.

“Exeter remains a safe place to live and visit and it is my priority to root out any violence and intimidation.”

Anyone on a night out who is concerned for another member of the public being alone and vulnerable, perhaps being subjected to unwanted attention or aggression, should always approach a police officer or a member of venue staff to let them know.