Exeter police increase patrols and safety measures as Christmas crowds grow

Police in Exeter have stepped up their presence across the city centre this December, as thousands of residents, shoppers and visitors pass through the high streets, Christmas market and night-time venues during the busiest weeks of the year.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that neighbourhood officers are carrying out additional patrols throughout the festive period, with a focus on shop theft, crowded public areas and safety in the evening and night-time economy.

“The Exeter neighbourhood policing team are carrying out increased patrols over the Christmas period, including targeted shop theft patrols and enhanced evening and night-time economy patrols as part of our commitment to tackling violence against women and girls,” a spokesperson said.

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Missing persons advice as crowds increase

Officers say the city centre’s rising footfall has already led to several incidents of people – including young children – becoming separated from parents or carers.

Police are reminding families that there is no minimum amount of time they must wait before reporting someone missing. 

They advise calling 999 immediately if the missing person is a child or a vulnerable adult, and 101 if there are no immediate risks.

Officers also urged parents not to use police as a threat when managing children’s behaviour.

“We often hear parents point to us and say to their children ‘you have to be good or the Police will take you away’. That’s simply not true – we are only here to help,” the force said.

Police recommend teaching children how to identify a responsible adult, such as an officer, security guard or shop worker, and suggest placing a name and phone number in their pocket in case they get lost.

Safety checks in bars and clubs

As part of the 12 Days of Christmas safety initiative, Exeter neighbourhood officers visited local bars and clubs to speak with staff about the Ask for Angela scheme.

The initiative allows anyone feeling unsafe on a night out to discreetly seek help by asking staff for “Angela”. 

Venues can then respond appropriately, offering a safe space, contacting security, or helping the person leave without drawing attention.

Officers reported that every venue they visited understood the procedure. 

The scheme, introduced in 2016 in memory of Angela Phillips, has become a widely used safeguarding tool across the UK.

Closures and enforcement activity

The Christmas period has also seen police and Trading Standards issue several closure orders against businesses trading illegally. Under Section 76 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, two more closure notices were served this month.

In a separate case, neighbourhood officers obtained a full three-month closure order on a property following weeks of collecting reports and evidence from local residents about persistent anti-social behaviour.

Police said closure orders are used only as a last resort, but that the ongoing issues had caused “significant impact on local residents”. 

Relevant agencies have been informed to support the tenant.

Project Servator patrols at the Christmas market

Uniformed and plain-clothes officers are also deployed daily around the Christmas market and key city-centre routes as part of Project Servator. 

These patrols are designed to be unpredictable and highly visible, using specially trained officers to spot suspicious behaviour and deter crime.

Exeter Police said the operation aims to keep the market and wider city centre “safe and welcoming for all”, adding that public reports remain crucial: “If you see something that doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and let us know.”

Continued reassurance policing

Despite heavy rain and adverse conditions, officers say they will maintain high-visibility patrols throughout December as part of their festive safety plan.

“We hope everyone stays safe and enjoys their visit to Exeter this Christmas, and know that we’re here to help if and when needed,” the neighbourhood team added.

Together, the increased patrols, safety checks, closure orders and Project Servator deployments form a comprehensive Christmas policing effort aimed at keeping Exeter’s city centre safe, supportive and welcoming throughout the busy festive season.