The Charles Cross Neighbourhood Police Team, along with other colleagues across Plymouth, have been responding to the issues and concerns that matter to the local community this week.

Officers took part in a day of action in the city centre, at retail parks and other areas of Plymouth such as The Barbican, Drake Circus shopping centre and the Hoe. The day involved a focus on hotspot areas linked to anti-social behaviour, as well as tackling drugs issues, retail crime and unsafe driving.

Police were responding to reports of offences and engaged with retailers and shoppers, as well as school holiday visitors as part of their high visibility patrols. There was also a roads policing operation in the Barbican area to give advice to motorists and remind them of good driving behaviour such as sticking to the speed limit and not using your mobile phone at the wheel. One person was arrested for drug driving and various traffic offences. 

Motorists were also shown the close pass mat on New George St which demonstrates leaving a safe distance between vehicles and cyclists to prevent injuries and incidents.

Sergeant Steve Dykes, Neighbourhood Team Leader, said: “This day of action was to show the public that we are working hard and reassure them that we do listen to their concerns and are committed to making a difference with our partner agencies such as Plymouth City Council. We had extra uniformed officers on foot patrol to carry out community engagement and chat to the public as well as giving crime prevention advice and explaining what we are doing to take action in their local area. Uniformed officers were also supported by plain clothes officers in the city.

“Police colleagues work with their counterparts including Plymouth City Council, NHS, business owners and Heart of the South West Trading Standards, amongst others, to give a good service to the public and signpost those in need to where they can receive help.     

“A number of shops were visited where the teams gave advice on how to protect businesses and property from thieves. Officers also visited retail areas like Drakes Circus Mall and local market stalls to speak to business owners and customers.

“We made several arrests during the day including one man arrested for assault and another man who was wanted on warrant for burglary. Another man was arrested in relation to possession of drugs and an offensive weapon. Police also identified at least one vulnerable person, potentially linked to drug supply, who will be helped.       

A mobile CCTV van was out in the main shopping area and the Neighbourhood Support Team were deployed to the New George St area where anti-social behaviour has previously taken place in the early evening outside the food takeaway shops. Food delivery drivers were also spoken to and given advice regarding the safety and rules around E-bikes.

Sergeant Steve Dykes, Neighbourhood Team Leader, added: “We’re looking forward to meeting more of the businesses and partners in Plymouth over the coming weeks to listen to their concerns and understand how the police teams can help improve the quality of life in the area.

“This is a busy area and one where the public, including our own friends and family come to for shopping, socialising, to eat and drink. Once we add into this the extra holidaymakers and tourists who visit our city centre that is why we are striving to make it a better experience for all.”

Plymouth police cadets played their part in the day of action by taking part in a test purchase operation, alongside colleagues from Trading Standards. They visited 16 shops to see if the cadets could buy vaping items; it is illegal for shops to sell vaping products to under 18s and staff should ask for ID to verify someone’s age. PC Michelle Evans, Youth Intervention Officer, said: “This was a successful operation as only one shop out of the 16 agreed to sell vaping items to the 15-year-old cadets. Trading Standards officers are always keen to assist Devon & Cornwall Police and we plan to carry out a similar operation in the coming months.”

Councillor Sally Haydon, Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “Partnership working is key in making Plymouth a safe place to visit, live and go out.

 “This day of action event was held for agencies to get out in the community and show residents what we are all working on to tackle anti-social behaviour in our city and educating members of the public on how to report issues should they be experiencing them. 

“Anti-social behaviour takes many forms and impacts on our communities significantly, and we are working together as a partnership to make people feel safer.”

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