“We’re really pleased that the hotspot funding has secured an increased high visibility foot patrol presence of both police officers and street marshals across Barnstaple town centre throughout the next 12 months. Our officers have been working closely with our street marshal team since they started work here in October 2023, having initially been paid for through a combination of OPCC endorsed Safer Street funding, and latterly by North Devon District Council directly.

“Our local neighbourhood policing team has also received a staffing uplift, leading to a greater presence in our community and an improved focus on problem solving, focusing on or targeting those who are repeatedly involved in crime or nuisance. Since that time, we’ve seen a 42% year on year reduction in reported antisocial behaviour incidents across the town centre area (427 incidents during March 2021 - April 2022, falling to 246 incidents during March 2023 - April 2024). This proves our approach works and it’s made a real difference, but achieving the task takes time and resources. The ASB hotspot funding will ensure the continuation and expansion of this work, using an evidence-based approach to make us all as efficient and effective as possible.”

— Inspector Andrew Wills