Changing faces of Ottery’s police team

It’s all change at Ottery police station as staff welcome a new sergeant and three response officers who are now based in the town.

Chris Leisk will be heading up the neighbourhood beat team after transferring to Ottery following the departure of Sergeant Paul Roberts.

Sergeant Leisk said he planned to continue the good police work in the area, with a focus on issues raised by local people.

The father-of-two said: “I could list off all the strategic objectives for the whole force but what we’re interested in is what actually matters to local people.

“What people want to know when there is anti-social behaviour or criminal damage in their street, is that we are going to give them the time and attention to solve the problem.

“Our main focus is providing a tailored service.”

In addition, three response officers - who were previously based at Honiton - are now working out of Ottery’s station.

Sergeant Leisk added that, as a result, residents may hear more police sirens than before as the officers attend emergency calls from across East Devon.

“It is nothing for people to be concerned about,” he said. “All it means is that, when people ring 999, we can be there in three or four minutes instead of 15 or 20.”