Plymouth Neighbourhood Support Team making strides against anti-social behaviour

Devon & Cornwall Police report that Plymouth's Neighbourhood Support Team is making great progress against anti-social behaviour.

The team was the innovative endeavour of Plymouth's Basic Command Unit (BCU) of Devon & Cornwall Police, which went into effect in January 2024. 

Comprising an inspector, sergeant, and five dedicated officers, the team was strategically deployed to address specific areas of concern within the city.

The Neighbourhood Support Team is tasked with implementing targeted enforcement actions, conducting high-visibility foot patrols, and conducting house-to-house inquiries as part of a customised problem-solving strategy established by neighbourhood policing teams.

The team was formed and has since completed three deployments in Whitleigh, Plymouth city centre, and Keyham. 

During these deployments, they have dealt with a variety of issues, ranging from antisocial behaviour to the unanticipated finding of a bomb from World War II.

Their efforts have produced noticeable outcomes. 

Proactive house-to-house investigations during their initial deployment in Whitleigh resulted in the arrest of an individual and the seizure of a substantial amount of cash and drugs, thereby reducing the potential for harm to occur in the area.

Inspector Dom Nicholls said: “Increasing trust and confidence within the community has been paramount to our success.”

He continued: “This collaborative effort has facilitated increased sharing of intelligence, crucial for the success of the team and broader neighbourhood initiatives.”

In just three months of operation, the team has conducted over 100 high-visibility patrols, numerous arrests, safeguarded vulnerable individuals and disrupted serious criminal activities. 

Currently, they are focused on supporting the local policing team in Devonport to curb violence and anti-social behaviour.

Inspector Nicholls has urged the public to continue reporting concerns.