DAWLISH has welcomed its new neighbourhood beat manager.

PC George Miller is now working in the town alongside two police community support officers.

One of his first jobs was to meet town councillors where he updated them on efforts to keep the Dawlish community safe.

His appearance at the town council meeting co-incided with a number of thefts from vehicles which happened the previous night.

Responding to the recent incidents, PC Miller explained he was investigating the thefts which may be linked to an organised group.

One of his main targets was to encourage more people to report incidents in the town, particularly via the online reporting system, so he and his colleagues would be able to ‘strengthen resources and intelligence’.

Also high on his priorities is tackling anti-social behaviour.

He said in collaboration with Teignbridge Council, they would be using civil injunctions and community protection notices to address youth-related concerns.

A new initiative PC Miller announced which is due to launch soon is described as Pubs Against Drugs.

No further details have been revealed but the aim is to tackle licensing issues in some local pubs ‘head on’, PC Miller explained.

He also praised Dawlish retailers for continuing to report shoplifting incidents, supported by Dawlish Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

He is also keen to build ‘strong connections’ with schools in Dawlish to support young people in the town.

Parking problems, he pointed out, were predominantly managed by the district and county councils and not usually a police matter.

A town council spokesman said: ‘A big thank you to PC Miller for attending the meeting and his commitment to our town’s safety.

‘The Mayor looks forward to seeing him at future town council meetings.’