POLICE have carried out more than 2,000 extra hours of foot patrols already this year in anti-social behaviour hotspots in Devon.

The home office has provided Devon and Cornwall’s police and crime commissioner with £11 million, which Alison Hernandez is spending on extra police and street marshals to crack down on anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence. 

She said: “The increased presence of police officers works as a preventative measure to deter crime.”

More than 60 arrests have been made, and 70 ‘stop searches’ have resulted in nine offensive weapons being confiscated, more than 30 drug seizures, more than 35 instances of stolen goods being recovered and more than 30 occasions in which alcohol has been taken off people.

Ms Hernandez said more than 8,000 members of the public had spoken to the extra officers.

She said: “It’s excellent to hear that the feedback from the patrols has been very positive with both residents and businesses pleased to see more police on the streets.’

The response to the summer influx of visitors will see extra daily patrols in key areas including Newton Abbot.

Street marshal patrols are now working in Barnstaple, Bideford, Exeter, Exmouth, Newton Abbot and Plymouth, as well as a number of towns in Cornwall.

“It’s been fantastic to have the support of the local authorities in setting up these patrols and to see that the street marshals will be working alongside the police, sharing insights and delivering joint patrols,” said the commissioner.

“I will be continuing to ensure ASB is tackled in our communities.”