Torbay security teams help police seize illegal tobacco and tackle crime

Torbay has scored some notable successes recently in its on-going battle to make the Bay's town centres safer.

Torbay Council's CCTV and security teams have had a busy few weeks. 

A council spokesman said: “Thanks to their eagle eyes, they’ve spotted suspicious behaviour and then acted swiftly with police and other council teams to take action.”

Included in recent alerts were a number of  incidents.

A retailer who’s signed up to the council's StoreNet radio system told the local authority about people selling illegal tobacco in Paignton. The council operator identified and tracked down four individuals and Paignton police stopped them and seized the tobacco.

An operator identified a Paignton shoplifter, enabling town centre officers to stop him and retrieve all the stolen goods.

 The team alerted town centre officers to people who were in breach of their alcohol public space protection order so they could confiscate their drinks.

 Cameras captured people flouting their community protection notices and community protection warnings. The council's anti-social behaviour team are able to use this CCTV footage to support further action.

A council security guard calmed down a situation at Paignton bus station after an assault occurred.

The CCTV successes are all part of the council's Operation Town Centres initiative which aims to achieve high-quality, welcoming and vibrant town centres where all communities can feel safe and where businesses can thrive.

The spokesman said: “Operation Town Centres will ensure all Torbay towns are safe and welcoming. Our investment will provide additional enforcement officers and support and welfare staff to address the root cause behind anti-social behaviour.

“This will be through collaboration between our staff and the police and using other tools to support this work.

“The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has also pledged to make safety in town centres a priority as part of its Street Focus – Torquay project and we’re working closely with them on this.

“We're also collaborating with Neighbourhood Watch. One of its co-ordinators, Steph Good, will be working in Torbay over the coming months to support existing Neighbourhood Watch schemes, set up further schemes and encourage businesses and groups to sign up to its Community Safety Charter.”