A crackdown on ‘serious’ anti-social behaviour and the sale of illegal tobacco in Exmouth resulted in two town centre shops being ordered to close for three months.
Police teamed up with Trading Standards and HMRC to investigate the dealings of Classic Mini Market, in Rolle Street, and Phone Zone, on The Parade, after members of the public raised concerns about behaviour and the business being conducted Inside.
Police outside Phone Zone, on The Parade, now closed for three months.
Photo: D&C Police.
Both shops were ordered by a court to immediately close for three months, banning anyone from entering the premises during that time.
Exmouth police said part of their investigation included reports of harassment, the sale of fake tobacco products and illegal vapes, including sales to children, and tax evasion.
The town police team said the Classic Mini Market was found not to have any way of taking card payments, or tills. Goods for sale were unpriced and the store had a ‘large turnover of cash’.
The Classic Mini Market in Rolle Street, Exmouth, has been ordered to close for three months.
Photo: D&C Police.
Officers revealed how the shops prompted the most complaints to police by the public
Police Constable Dave Pilling from the Exmouth neighbourhood policing team, said: “Our intervention at these locations shows our intention to respond to the needs of our communities.
“Residents and businesses came to us to report the activity and explained that the behaviour was having a detrimental effect on them.
“We have responded quickly to these reports and by taking a multi-agency approach have managed to deal with the situation swiftly and effectively.”
Police are seen here displaying the official closure notice outside Classic Mini Market, in Rolle Street, Exmouth.
Photo: D&C Police.
Both shops were slapped with closure orders by Exeter Magistrates’ Court on April 13, 2026, in relation to the sale of counterfeit tobacco and serious nuisance behaviour.
Anyone found inside either premises during that time faces being arrested, fined or jailed.
The closure order notice displayed on the window of the shut shops.
Photo: D&C Police.
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: “Exmouth Neighbourhood Policing team has been working closely with officers from Trading Standards and HMRC to close two commercial premises in Exmouth.
“The orders were sought by Devon and Cornwall Police following information from members of the local community. Following extensive investigations and interventions by the police, Trading Standards and HMRC a case was brought to court where it was shown that the orders were necessary to prevent the behaviour continuing.
“The orders prevent anyone other than authorised individuals to enter or remain at the location for a period of three months. Anyone found to be in breach of this order is liable to arrest and risks receiving up to 51 weeks imprisonment or a fine.”
