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Operation Town Centres

Find out about our Operation Town Centres which will help ensure all Torbay towns are safe and welcoming

Enjoying the festive period safely

We want all our residents to enjoy their nights out in our town centres. We want you to know where you can turn if you are ready to take a break or want to head home.

Where you can get help if you need a break from the festivities

Torbay Street Pastors

They are kind volunteers who patrol until the early hours on Torquay’s harbourside. They have a safe place van providing:

  • hot drinks
  • biscuits
  • water
  • flip flops
  • space blankets
  • a place to go and chat or to feel safe

Hours of operation: 10pm to 2am on each Saturday in December and on New Year’s Eve.

The NHS Safe Space

This is an ambulance parked up along the harbourside. It also offers a quiet space to anyone feeling tired or unwell. You can also get first aid, bottled water and charge your phone.

Hours of operation: Every Saturday from 10pm to 3am. During December it runs on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm to 4am. It will also be there on New Year’s Eve from 10pm to 4am.

Getting home at the end of the night

Torbay night bus

This service (route 12) is provided by Stagecoach. Single journeys cost £2. To try and reduce drink and drug-related incidents the service will operate on:

  • Saturdays over the festive period
  • Friday 20 December
  • New Year’s Eve

Read more about the service
View the timetable

Taxi marshals

Taxi marshals will be at the Pavillion Taxi rank in Torquay. They will be there from 10pm – 4am every Friday and Saturday. They will also be there on 23, 24, 26, 31 December. They want to help get people home safely during the Christmas period.

Taxi marshals will be at the Paignton Taxi rank. They will be there from 10pm – 3am every Friday and Saturday. They will also be there on 23, 24, 26, 31 December.

When you get a taxi:

  • Check for ID. All drivers should wear an ID badge with their photo, licence number and licence expiry date on it. If you can’t see it, ask to see it before you set off. If there is no badge, DO NOT get in as the driver may not have a license.
  • Take a photo of the licence plate or registration number. Do this before you get in. Find out more about the different types of licensed vehicles.
  • Don’t get into a private hire vehicle until you are sure it is yours. Ask the driver for the passenger’s name and where they are going. If the information is incorrect do not get in, no matter how tempting. Getting in when it is not booked in advance could invalidate the driver’s insurance.
  • Never take a taxi with a stranger.

Report an issue or leave a compliment about taxis or private hire vehicles.

Find more information on taxis.

Street marshals

Uniformed street marshals assist in tackling ASB and improve community safety. They do this by carrying out evening patrols in Torquay and Paignton. Speak to them if you’re concerned about anything.

Help for businesses

If you’re a town centre business, why not consider signing up for StoreNet or NiteNet?

These are radio systems which improve communication and help to address any shoplifting or anti-social behaviour experienced by traders.

The radio system is linked to our CCTV control room which is in turn linked to the police.

 

StoreNet operates during the day while NiteNet is the system for the evening and night-time economy.

Find out more about StoreNet and NiteNet

What powers can be used to tackle anti-social behaviour?

Public Space Protection Orders

  • Dispersal Notice (DN): Under the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) we can request people leave Torquay town centre for up to 24 hours. This is based on their behaviour being deemed unacceptable. If someone does not comply, they may receive a fine, or other consequences. 
  • Removal of alcohol: Also, under the PSPO we can direct an individual to give up their alcohol. This is in place across the town centres of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. If someone does not comply with the request, they may receive a fine, or other consequences.

Community Protection Warning (CPW): This is a written warning which must be issued before a Community Protection Notice. It is a request to stop doing something.

Community Protection Notice (CPN): This is a formal notice that addresses ongoing problems of nuisance which are having a negative effect on a community’s quality of life. The notice will direct an individual, organisation or business to stop behaving in certain ways, or to take certain action to resolve an issue. Breach of a CPN is a criminal offence and can be prosecuted in court.

Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO): CBO’s can only be issued following a conviction for a criminal offence in court. A CBO is an order made by the court that can last indefinitely and restricts someone from behaving in certain ways or being in a certain area. They usually last for around three years. Breach of a CBO can result in a prison sentence of up to five years. 

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