Exeter police welcome Purple Flag award recognising safer city centre nights out

Police in Exeter say the city’s newly awarded Purple Flag status is a major endorsement of the work being done to keep people safe after dark.

Exeter has become one of the latest UK cities to receive the nationally recognised accreditation, which celebrates places that offer a well-managed, vibrant and secure evening and night-time economy.

The Purple Flag award is granted by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) and recognises strong partnership working, good transport links and a clear focus on public safety and wellbeing.

For Devon and Cornwall Police, the accolade reflects significant changes made to policing in the city over the past 18 months.

Sergeant Jim Wellard, who leads on policing the evening and night-time economy in Exeter, said the award was welcome recognition of a more targeted approach to keeping the city centre safe.

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“Over the last 18 months, we have made significant and much needed changes to the way we police Exeter in the evening,” he said.

“We have implemented Public Space Protection Orders which provide our officers with powers to disperse individuals causing issues from the city centre, and we have used statistics and detailed crime information to structure two-phase patrols which ensure we have a policing presence in the right areas at the right times.”

He added: “The Purple Flag award is a huge achievement for the city and highlights the fantastic work the neighbourhood policing team have done to increase the visibility of police in the evening economy and focus on safety – particularly of women and girls – on Friday and Saturday nights.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners to make Exeter a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.”

Recent figures suggest the approach is already having an impact. Police data for 2025 shows evening incidents of anti-social behaviour in Exeter fell by 16 per cent compared with the previous year.

The reduction has been linked to proactive policing initiatives, including drug patrols in nightclubs, regular checks on the Ask Angela safety scheme and closer joint working with licensed venues.

Inspector Nathan Johnson, who leads Exeter’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said he was proud of the role officers had played in securing the accreditation.

“I am delighted and proud that Exeter has been granted the prestigious Purple Flag status for the very first time,” he said.

“This demonstrates the value of partnership efforts which take place every day of the year to keep Exeter safe for people living in, working in or visiting the area.”

Inspector Johnson said the award reflected the collaboration between police and a range of local organisations.

“The success of this achievement is thanks to the collaboration between InExeter, Devon & Cornwall Police, Exeter City Council, Exeter College and the University of Exeter, as well as transport providers, cultural venues and local businesses,” he said.

“Exeter has a lot to offer and we will continue to keep people spending time in our vibrant and cultured city safe and secure.”

The Purple Flag application was led by InExeter, the city’s Business Improvement District, with Devon and Cornwall Police playing a central role in the assessment process.

Nicola Wheeler, chief executive of InExeter, said visible policing and close partnership working had been key factors in the successful bid.

“This achievement highlights Exeter as an exceptional city for a night out,” she said. “Our businesses and partners are committed to ensuring the wellbeing of all who come to enjoy the evening atmosphere.”

Exeter City Council also pointed to investment in safety measures as an important part of the city’s approach.

Councillor Laura Wright, Deputy Leader of the council and Lead Councillor for Community Safety and the City Centre, highlighted improvements to CCTV coverage.

“Our investment in CCTV has significantly strengthened safety in Exeter,” she said.

“Extensive high-definition coverage and 24/7 monitoring from the city’s control room provide real reassurance for people enjoying the evening and night-time economy, while supporting rapid partnership responses when it matters most.”

While the Purple Flag award recognises the contribution of many organisations, police say it ultimately reflects a shared commitment to making Exeter safer at night.

Sergeant Wellard said officers would continue to build on recent progress.

“The award is a welcome recognition, but our focus remains on the day-to-day work of keeping people safe,” he said.

“Exeter has a vibrant night-time economy, and we want everyone to be able to enjoy it with confidence.”