Residents and visitors across Torbay are seeing the benefits of a year of focused action to improve safety in local town centres, with Paignton, Torquay and Brixham all reporting positive results.
One recent case in Paignton highlights the impact of this work. Following weeks of evidence-gathering by Torbay Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) team, a closure order was granted by the courts against a flat where neighbours had been suffering from persistent noise nuisance and threatening behaviour. The tenant was ordered to leave the property, bringing relief to nearby residents at the start of the new year.
This case is just one of many successes achieved during 2025 as part of Operation Town Centres, a council-led initiative launched in 2024 and backed by neighbourhood policing teams. The programme focuses on tackling anti-social behaviour, supporting businesses and improving public confidence in town centres across the Bay.
Strong enforcement and visible presence
Over the past year, town centre officers issued 44 Community Protection Warnings and 23 Community Protection Notices, which allow the council to challenge ongoing anti-social behaviour. Five prosecutions were successfully brought for breaches of these notices, with criminal behaviour orders secured in court. No prosecutions were unsuccessful.
In another high-profile case, a prosecution resulted in the forfeiture of a dog after it was used as a weapon in Torquay town centre. The owner was also banned from keeping dogs in the future.
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) have also been used more actively. These include restrictions on alcohol consumption in town centres across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, as well as dispersal powers in parts of Torquay. During the year, officers made 217 alcohol surrender requests in Torquay and 26 in Paignton, along with 32 dispersals in Torquay. Three successful prosecutions were completed for PSPO breaches.
Safer streets and falling incidents
A key part of the work has been a visible uniformed presence. The town centre officer team has grown to six officers and now operates six days a week between 8am and 6pm across Torquay and Paignton. Evening hotspot patrols, supported by street marshals, run until midnight in Paignton and 10pm in Torquay.
CCTV data shows encouraging trends compared with the same period in 2024, including:
* a 56% reduction in begging incidents in Torquay town centre
* a 26% reduction in aggressive behaviour in Torquay town centre
Council and SWISCo staff have also completed Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) training through Devon and Cornwall Police, giving them additional powers to help tackle anti-social behaviour once formal accreditation is confirmed.
Working together with police and businesses
Partnership working remains central to the approach. Torbay Council continues to work closely with neighbourhood policing teams and has leased an empty shop on Union Street in Torquay to the police, allowing them to operate a monthly pop-up police shop in the town centre.
Council leader David Thomas praised the efforts of everyone involved. He said:
“Well done to our teams for gathering crucial evidence to ensure successful prosecutions. It can sometimes take a long time to get results, but the hard work pays off in the end.
“We are receiving positive feedback about our work in the town centres, particularly the consistent uniformed presence of our town centre officers and the vital role played by our CCTV operators.”
He also encouraged local retailers to sign up to the UKPAC scheme, a reporting tool designed to help businesses share information and improve safety. The scheme has been initially funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and has already delivered positive results locally.
Supporting the night-time economy
Efforts to improve safety after dark have also continued. Taxi marshal provision has been increased in both Torquay and Paignton, while residents and visitors are encouraged to download the Travel Guardian app to help them stay safe when out in the evening.
In addition, Stagecoach is continuing its night bus service on the number 12 route until at least April, thanks to funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Together, these measures are helping to make South Devon’s town centres safer, more welcoming places for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
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