1. Overview
Whether coming to Exeter to study, shop, enjoy a meal or spend an evening out, everyone should feel confident that Exeter is a safe place.
The safety of Exeter, both day and night, is a priority for Safer Exeter, our city Community Safety Partnership. A strong city partnership approach ensures Anti-Social Behaviour and crime is addressed swiftly and effectively, and finding the right solutions for Exeter. “Making our city safer for all” is a key focus for Safer Exeter, who are committed to ensuring the safety of our students, residents, visitors and workers.
A range of initiatives across the city support this work.
CCTV
Exeter City Council has invested significantly in the city centre CCTV network. More than 300 cameras are located across the city centre and are monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by trained operators in the CCTV Control Room.
More information: CCTV
Yellow ‘Need Help’ Plaques
Yellow ‘Need Help’ plaques are located near CCTV cameras across the city centre. Each plaque displays the CCTV Control Room number and a reference code.
If you feel vulnerable or need assistance, you can call the control room and quote the reference number shown on the plaque.
CCTV Control Room: 01392 665008
Community Safety Team
Exeter City Council’s Community Safety Team was introduced in 2024 to help tackle anti-social behaviour in the city centre.
The team patrols the city centre as well as council-owned land across Exeter, including:
- parks and open spaces
- cemeteries
- neighbourhood shopping precincts
They work to address anti-social behaviour, provide reassurance to the public and support wider partnership activity across the city.
The team is funded by Exeter City Council, InExeter and the Police & Crime Commissioner.
In addition to patrols, the team also monitor and enforce issues such as unauthorised camping on council land and the collection of stray dogs across Exeter.
More information: Community Safety Team
Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS)
The Community Safety Team is accredited under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) and has been granted specific powers by the Chief Constable of Devon & Cornwall Police.
These include powers to:
- share information and intelligence with Devon & Cornwall Police
- require a name and address for relevant fixed penalty offences
- require a name and address in relation to anti-social behaviour
To use these powers, officers must be wearing their uniform, displaying their CSAS patch, and carrying their police-issued ID and powers card.
More information: The community safety accreditation scheme (CSAS)
Public Spaces Protection Orders
The Community Safety Team also operates under the City Centre and St Thomas Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which provides additional powers to address anti-social behaviour.
More information: PSPO
Purple Flag Accreditation
Exeter city centre was awarded Purple Flag accreditation in spring 2026, recognising a safe, vibrant and well-managed evening and night-time economy.
The award celebrates cities that provide:
- a diverse night-time offer
- safe public spaces
- good transport connections
- strong partnership working
The accreditation is led locally by InExeter and supported by the University of Exeter.
Safety of Women at Night Charter
The Safety of Women at Night (SWaN) Charter reflects Exeter’s commitment to ensuring women feel confident and safe when enjoying the city at night.
The charter is a voluntary pledge that encourages organisations and businesses to take practical steps to improve safety across the city.
More information: Safety of Women at Night Charter
Exeter Community Safety Charter
The Exeter Community Safety Charter brings together partners across the city in a shared commitment to keep Exeter safe, inclusive and welcoming.
The charter focuses on five shared missions:
- Safety and Security
- Collaboration and Partnership
- Dignity and Respect
- Prevention and Intervention
- Hotspot Policing
More information: Community Safety Charter
Hotspot Policing
During 2025 and 2026, the Devon & Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner funded dedicated Hotspot police patrols in areas of higher crime and anti-social behaviour in the city centre.
The Community Safety Team supports this work by undertaking patrols in locations where anti-social behaviour is identified.
Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plans
InExeter has led targeted action plans to tackle anti-social behaviour in key city centre locations, working with businesses and organisations to identify issues and implement solutions.
Exeter Business Against Crime
Exeter Business Against Crime is a business crime reduction partnership funded by the local business community.
A secure two-way radio network connects members with the CCTV Control Room and the Community Safety Team, helping businesses quickly report and respond to shop theft and anti-social behaviour.
More information: Exeter Business Against Crime
Contact the Community Safety Team
To get in touch with the Community Safety Team, please use our Contact Us form