We are not harassing homeless people in Totnes. We are trying to help them. And PCSO Jason Vasey is not a monster.

That was the message from police in Totnes as they appealed for a better public understanding of how they are working to deal with homelessness issues on the streets of Totnes.

Sgt Tim Perrin, who heads up the town neighbourhood police team, used social media to tell the public: “Please remember if you see us in town talking with our ‘street attached’ individuals, we are not harassing them.

“We are engaging with them to help them. We are rarely interesting in prosecuting them. We want to help find them somewhere to live. Somewhere they can call their own. To help them with their addiction issues. To help them find work. To build bridges with their families. To deal with any mental health issues.

“It is not ‘out is sight, out of mind’. It is a genuine desire to help people. That’s why we joined the job.

“This is the sort of work that will cause our toilets to reopen, reduce begging and reduce antisocial behaviour.

“Of course, we are very keen to deal with drug dealers who cause so much harm.”

Sgt Perrin outlined one success story as he explained how a young man who had been repeatedly bedding down in buildings in the town to escape the weather had been helped to find somewhere to live, thanks to police support.

He said that on two occasions the man had walked away with all his belongings on his back after being confronted by the police.

Sgt Perrin said: “Yes he has committed a minor offence and frightened cleaning staff when he has been discovered, but prosecuting him isn’t really in the public interest.

“He is not a criminal. He is a vulnerable young man who needs help.

“On the third occasion, however, he did begin to engage with us.

He gathered his things, in his usual very tidy, orderly fashion, and placed them in his rucksack.

“We were pleased when he allowed us to take him for a ride up to the council offices to speak with their housing department. He had tried before himself, but ended up being overwhelmed and walking out.

“A few phone calls, a few forms to fill out and the male was found accommodation.

“Yes, admittedly this was not in Totnes. Totnes suffers a distinct lack of accommodation. So we dropped him to Torquay and made sure he settled into his new place. Is he now warm, does he now have shelter, is he safe, is he now closer to more of his friends? Yes and he was delighted.

“And who was responsible for this? The monster that is PCSO Jason Vasey!”