Increased Police Activity For Barnstaple Town Centre
Police in Barnstaple are stepping up patrols in the town in response to public concerns about anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol use and violence.
Operation Loki began last week (April 3) and several arrests have already taken place as well as drugs seized.
Proactive policing is addressing those crime types which are causing most concern in the area. There will be a visible police presence particularly focussed on High St, Bear St, Victoria St, Theatre Lane, Alexandra Road, Queen St, Castle St, The Strand, Alexandra Rd, Boutport St, Tully St, Newport Rd, Butcher’s Row, Gammon Walk, Cross St, Taw Vale, The Square, Belle Meadow, Paternoster Row and Holland Walk.
Neighbourhood Policing Teams are leading the high visibility response but officers from across Devon & Cornwall will be deployed to tackle the key issues being experienced in the town.
Officers want to increase engagement levels with residents, students, visitors and local businesses and are working with partners to improve the Barnstaple area for everyone.
Chief Inspector Graham Thomas who works on the North & West Devon Local Policing Area, said: “We are taking action to prevent crime and reassure the public that we are listening to their concerns about local issues.
“People in the town should notice more officers on patrol in certain streets and we are working with partners to respond to feedback. We aim to improve our engagement with residents and visitors alike. “
A Devon & Cornwall Police passive drugs ‘sniffer’ dog visited licensed premises in the town centre on Tuesday 11 April and a ‘pop up’ temporary police station will be on Barnstaple High Street, outside The Shambles, on Wed 19 April between approximately 10am and 5pm. This gives more opportunity for the public to ask questions and receive advice from local officers and partners from the Safer Streets team, including North Devon Council. Visitors can also fill in a public survey and give feedback on their concerns and views. Updates on Operation Loki are also available via the Barnstaple Police Facebook page.
The police operation, which runs throughout April, includes:
- Increased officer presence throughout the day and evening at key times and key locations
- A focus on tackling anti-social behaviour, street drinking and drug consumption
- Misuse of drugs act warrants
- Licensing checks
- Shoplifting patrols
- Use of anti-social behaviour legislation
- Increased use of Stop and Search powers
- Surveys and engagement
- Using force resources in support of local police teams, such as the roads policing team and prevention department
- Deploying police cadets and the Special Constabulary
- Partnership operations
Barnstaple Safer Streets was launched in November last year and uses Home Office funding with the aim of making the town a better place to live and work, as well as reduce fear of crime. The government funding has been boosted with a contribution from the Office of the Devon & Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner and North Devon Council.
Barnstaple Town Centre Manager, Hannah Harrington, says: “Antisocial behaviour can have a huge impact on people and businesses, so we are proud to work with police and other partners in ensuring Barnstaple is a place people can enjoy safely. By taking a partnership approach, we aim to improve the quality of life and experience for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
The Safer Streets project has so far provided improved CCTV and better lighting, as well as safe spaces for vulnerable females. It also pays for training such as self defence skills for female students at Petroc college, youth work in schools and safeguarding training for taxi drivers etc.
