News Article

Local police team help celebrate another successful Exmouth Pride

Officers from the Exmouth Neighbourhood Police Team went along to the local Pride event on Saturday to meet visitors and help mark the special day.

The celebration of inclusion and diversity took place in Manor Gardens, Exmouth and entertainment included an Indian dance workshop, local bands, sign language lessons by students from the local Deaf Academy, as well as cabaret artiste Arina Fox. There was also face painting, food and drink stalls, a bouncy castle and a dog show.

The event was very well attended by people of all ages who enjoyed the sunny weather and relaxed party atmosphere.

Exmouth Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) Karen Capey and Colin Balch chatted to many visitors during the day and answered lots of questions. Those people who came along to the police stand had the chance to try on Force helmets and other uniform and there were stickers and quizzes for the youngsters. PC Mike Elliott from the Exmouth Neighbourhood Team also went along to show his support and meet people.

The free LGBT+ event, which has been running since 2016, was this year opened by the Mayor of Exmouth Councillor Joe Whibley. The colourful Pride bench was unveiled in Manor Gardens in June 2021 to mark the Pride event which should have taken place that year but was postponed due to the Covid pandemic. The event was also unable to take place in 2020 for the same reason.

Inspector Grant Leitch, who heads up the Exmouth Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “It is important that we support local events such as this and listen to what our communities want from us. We are here for everyone in Exmouth and the surrounding areas. My team work hard to be a part of the community and if you see them out and about please come up and say hello. We are here to keep you safe.”

For more information about Devon & Cornwall Police’s commitment to diversity and inclusion or if you are concerned about hate crime or wish to report an incident please dial 101 or report via our website.

Hate crime | Devon & Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)

Devon & Cornwall Police are committed to recruiting more officers who reflect our diverse communities across the two counties. To find out more about joining the Force and making a difference why not click on Recruitment:- DC Police and Dorset Police - Dorset Police and Devon & Cornwall Police working in Partnership (devon-cornwall.police.uk)

If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Exmouth Neighbourhood Team hold regular events to give an opportunity for local residents to ask them questions face to face or pick up some crime prevention advice. For updates you can follow Exmouth Police on Facebook. If your school or club would like to invite officers to take part in an engagement visit please contact 30189@dc.police.uk and 30412@dc.police.uk

Pic shows Exmouth PCSOs Karen and Colin