Call for police patrols at Agatha Christie beach

A rise in reports of late-night fires, litter and broken glass at a Devon beach has prompted a councillor to call for extra police patrols.

Councillor Mandy Darling said Beacon Cove in Torquay, one of crime writer Agatha Christie's favourite beaches, had undergone improvement work such as repairs and a graffiti clean-up in recent years but antisocial behaviour was on the rise.

"As evenings grow lighter and footfall increases, residents are reporting a rise in anti-social behaviour," Darling told Torbay Council.

Councillor Adam Billings said neighbourhood enforcement team patrols had been increased and the council was working alongside local police.

Darling has called for improved lighting, more frequent cleaning visits and better enforcement patrols to prevent further issues.

She added extra police patrols would ensure the cove was "safe and welcoming" for residents and visitors.

Billings said, while he acknowledged the concerns, the cove was a popular location for groups to gather and CCTV evidence suggested "infrequent incidences" of antisocial behaviour.

"While the police have acknowledged current resource constraints, they have advised that they will seek to increase patrols, particularly at weekends and in the summer holidays," Billings added.

Billings said the multi-agency community partnership would "take action" if individuals could be identified, and encouraged people to report antisocial behaviour.

Torbay's main beaches, including Beacon Cove, are subject to inspections seven days a week, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Beacon Cove was said to be one of Christie's favourite beaches when she lived in the Ashfield, a large Victorian mansion in the seaside town.

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