New Neighbourhood Inspector returns to his roots in Exmouth
A warm welcome to Inspector Mat Helm who recently joined the police team at Exmouth Sector and is already a familiar face to many in the area.
He began his new role three weeks ago but previously spent much of his police career working in Exmouth and also spent a decade on the Exmouth Coastguard Rescue Team. He joined Devon & Cornwall Police in 2002 and spent time as a Special Constable in Plymouth.
As well as Exmouth and Ottery St Mary the Neighbourhood Police Team also cover Budleigh Salterton, Woodbury, West Hill, Feniton, Cranbrook, Brampford Speke and West Clyst.
Inspector Helm explained: “I have come to the role having just spent the last three years working in South Devon as a Patrol Inspector. However, Exmouth is not an area that is new to me as I have lived in this area for almost my entire career and adult life.
“I was previously a former beat manager for the town centre as well as on the Exmouth Coastguard Rescue Team for 10 years. I now manage a small but effective team of Neighbourhood Police Constables across the two police stations in Exmouth and Ottery St Mary.
Inspector Helm added: “I know some people may say they don't see my officers out and about enough as much as they would like but, trust me, they are extremely busy and very proactive at ensuring that your communities are as safe as possible managing issues such as drugs, anti-social behaviour, dangerous offenders, modern day slavery, smuggling, counter terrorism, etc and all the while supporting our patrol colleagues as they respond to emergency calls.
“The constables are supported by two Police Community Support Officers - one in each station and equally very busy. Our new Neighbourhood Sergeant will be joining the team shortly following the recent retirement of Sgt Rich Stonecliffe.
“It will surprise some people but I am a human being and not always in uniform! Outside of work, I enjoy mountain biking, dinghy racing and indeed anything on water or in the outdoors.
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