Officers ready to pound the beat

The 17 news PCSOs will begin patrolling the streets on Monday

Seventeen new Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will start patrolling the streets of four towns in north Devon next week.

The aim is to reduce the fear of crime in Exeter, Barnstaple, South Molton and Torrington.

PCSOs have the power to detain people for up to 30 minutes. They can also issue fines for minor offences.

Devon and Cornwall Police said it is planning to recruit 458 PCSOs across the region by March 2008.

Recruitment campaign

Ch Supt Colin Terry said the 77 PCSOs who were introduced in Honiton three years ago had increased public confidence.

He said: "The new PCSOs will provide a highly visible presence in the urban and rural communities of north and east Devon.

"They will tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour, under-age drinking, truancy and dealing with abandoned and unlicensed vehicles."

He said the force was currently recruiting PCSOs and people from all walks of life were encouraged to apply.

A further 136 officers will be recruited for north and east Devon in the next two years.

The government is funding the additional PCSO posts.