New Neighbourhood Inspector returns to his roots in Exmouth

Exmouth’s police team has welcomed Inspector Mat Helm, who recently took up his post at Exmouth Sector.

Although new to the role, he is already a familiar face in the community, having spent much of his policing career in the area.

Inspector Helm, who started three weeks ago, has strong ties to Exmouth, both professionally and personally. He joined Devon & Cornwall Police in 2002 as a Special Constable in Plymouth before moving into neighbourhood policing.

He also spent a decade volunteering with the Exmouth Coastguard Rescue Team, further deepening his connection to the local area.

His new position sees him leading a team of Neighbourhood Police Constables across Exmouth and Ottery St Mary, covering a broad area that includes Budleigh Salterton, Woodbury, West Hill, Feniton, Cranbrook, Brampford Speke, and West Clyst.

“Exmouth is not an area that is new to me,” Inspector Helm said. “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.”

He acknowledged that some residents feel they do not see officers out as much as they would like, but reassured the community that his team is working hard behind the scenes.

“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, and counter-terrorism, all while supporting our patrol colleagues as they respond to emergency calls,” he said.

Alongside his team of dedicated constables, Inspector Helm is supported by two Police Community Support Officers, one at each station. A new Neighbourhood Sergeant will also be joining soon, following the recent retirement of Sgt Rich Stonecliffe.

Outside of his police work, Inspector Helm enjoys mountain biking, dinghy racing, and anything involving the water or outdoors.

For updates from the Exmouth Neighbourhood Police Team, residents can follow Exmouth Police on Facebook or visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website.