Tiverton gets extra patrols to help prevent antisocial behaviour and violence

Chief Inspector Dominic Nicholls, Oliver Backhouse of Gardant Group and Inspector Mark Arthurs

Additional foot patrols are being provided in Tiverton as part of a £1.3m crime prevention project.

The town is one of two new areas to be included in the Hotspot policing scheme for Devon & Cornwall, which aims to prevent incidents of antisocial behaviour (ASB) and violent crime.

The project, which sees police officers, PCSOs and street marshals conduct visible patrols in problem areas, has received £1m funding from the Home Office for 2025/26.

On top of this, a further £300,000 funding has been provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Hotspot policing is a proven methodology for reducing crime by targeting resources and activities in hotspots, which are determined using crime data.

The scheme involves increasing visible patrols to deter offenders from taking advantage of opportunities to commit crime. A uniformed presence also helps reassure members of the public in areas where they may feel more vulnerable.

Chief Inspector Dominic Nicholls, who oversees the project at Devon & Cornwall Police, said he is delighted to see the project extended following its success last year.

Ch Insp Nicholls said: “Hotspot policing was introduced across Devon and Cornwall last year and we have already seen positive results.

“Focusing highly visible police and street marshal patrols in areas of high levels of violence and ASB has been effective in both preventing crime and making people feel safer.  

“I am really pleased that the force has received further funding this year and adopted two new hotspots as a result. This provides the opportunity to build on the early success of hotspot policing and ensure that the public continue to see more police on the streets.” 

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “Hotspot policing is delivering exactly what our communities have told us they want - more visible patrols, proactive policing and real action to tackle antisocial behaviour.  

“The success of hotspot policing really highlights the power of partnership working. With the police, street marshals and local authorities all working together, we’re creating a more coordinated, community-led approach to public safety.  

“I’m delighted we have secured funding for another year and that two further will benefit from this great scheme.” 

Most street marshals appointed within Hotspot Policing are fully CSAS accredited. CSAS is the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme which gives partners a range of powers usually only available to police, such as the authority to issue fixed penalty notices for certain offences.

CSAS accredited staff will wear a CSAS patch somewhere visible on their uniform, have a police ID and a card listing their powers.

Oliver Backhouse is Managing Director of Gardant Group who are providing street marshals for the Tiverton scheme.

Oliver said: “We are really pleased to be working with new partners on this scheme in Tiverton.

“Gardant is now covering five Hotspot Policing towns in Devon and we hope to replicate the success we’ve had in these other areas.”

Inspector Mark Arthurs of the Mid Devon Local Policing Team said: “I’m really pleased to be welcoming street marshals to be working alongside my team in Tiverton.

“Tiverton is a busy, thriving market town and the local policing team is looking forward to joint patrols with the new street marshals to increase our visibility and to help tackle ASB.

“I have no doubt that the street marshals will complement the Policing presence in the town and I would encourage anyone to reach out to those on patrols to report any concerns.”

Cllr David Wulff, Cabinet Member for Quality of Living, Equalities and Public Health at Mid Devon Council, said: “It is great to be working in partnership with our local police to help combat anti-social behaviour in the town.

“We know Tiverton can, sadly, be blighted by a minority of people who seem intent on causing issues for others, and this focussed policing is a way organisations can work together to make our town a vibrant and welcoming place for those who live and visit Tiverton.”