Exeter steps up antisocial behaviour crackdown as police close Beacon Avenue property

A property in Beacon Avenue, Exeter, has been partially closed after a court order was granted to tackle persistent antisocial behaviour that had been disrupting the local community.

Exeter Crown Court approved the closure order on 20 January 2026 following repeated reports of disorder linked to the address. 

The order, which will initially last for three months, makes it a criminal offence for anyone other than registered tenants, the landlord or emergency services to enter the property.

Neighbourhood officers say the action follows a prolonged investigation and ongoing complaints from residents.

Inspector Dave Turner, who oversees neighbourhood policing in Exeter, said the team would be monitoring the situation closely.

READ NEXT: St James Park relaunches with major new improvements and venues

“The closure order will initially be in place for three months and the team will be monitoring the situation closely, taking action against anyone who chooses to breach the conditions which have been imposed,” he said.

“We would like to thank the community for their engagement and welcome continued reporting of any issues at this property.”

The closure order was secured in partnership with Cornerstone Housing, which manages the property. The organisation said it welcomed the decision, describing community safety as a top priority.

Justin Ryan, Community Safety Lead at Cornerstone Housing, said residents’ concerns had been taken seriously.

“This action follows extensive engagement with local residents, and we want to reassure the community that their concerns have been heard,” he said.

“We recognise that coming forward can be difficult, and we are grateful to those who worked with us and the Police to help bring about this outcome.”

The move comes as Exeter expands its wider response to antisocial behaviour across the city, with the launch of a permanent and enlarged Community Safety Team.

The team, which will operate across the city centre, neighbourhoods and open spaces, will include eight new roles, funded through a £335,390 budget approved by the city council. The expansion follows a pilot scheme launched in 2024, which the council says led to measurable reductions in crime and disorder.

Figures presented to councillors show that between January and September 2025, recorded crime in Exeter city centre fell by 9.7 per cent compared with the same period the previous year, while reports of antisocial behaviour dropped by 15.3 per cent.

Community safety officers work alongside police, using body-worn cameras and coordinating with CCTV operators to respond quickly to incidents. Police are called when behaviour escalates or criminal activity is identified.

Cllr Laura Wright, Deputy Leader of Exeter City Council and Lead Councillor for Community Safety, said residents and businesses had made clear that antisocial behaviour remained a concern.

“We’ve listened to the concerns of residents and local businesses and are acting on them,” she said.

“The Community Safety Team has made an important and visible difference, and I am so pleased that we are now able to expand the team to ensure they can continue their excellent work.”

Since July 2024, community safety officers have delivered nearly 6,000 hours of foot patrols, attended 730 antisocial behaviour incidents and carried out more than 17,000 interactions with members of the public, according to council figures.

The expanded team will now also patrol parks, open spaces and neighbourhood shopping areas, responding to issues highlighted in the city’s 2025 residents survey.

Residents concerned about antisocial behaviour are encouraged to report issues to police online or by calling 101. In emergencies, or if a crime is in progress, people should call 999.