Problem Solving within our Community

One of the team's key most demanding roles is working with our communities to deliver solutions to local issues.  These range from Anti Social Behaviour to Neighbour disputes.  We have a wide ranging network of partners within the area who we work with as appropriate to help resolve matters affecting our communities.

Safeguarding Vulnerable within our Community

One of our key roles is identifying those who are vulnerable within our community, and taking appropriate action to offer immediate support and further signposting to appropriate partner agencies for longer term issues.  Our focus remains on identifying and supporting those in need, in conjunction with partners to ensure that no one in our communities is isolated, in distress, or taken advantage of. 

Positive action to detect and disrupt supply of controlled drugs

Kingsbridge Neighbourhood Team are constantly seeking and reviewing intelligence around supply of drugs within the area.  All information is reviewed by the team and appropriate action taken.  We are currently developing intelligence to identify and disrupt those involved in drug dealing within out communities

Update: 19 May 2024 - Continued Priority

Over the summer months, there is an expected increase in people residing in the South Hams. The supply and use of controlled drugs will continue to be investigated: we will continue to evaluate intelligence on this matter and take positive action with those who supply drugs to our communities, and the associated anti-social behaviour that drug usage can bring. 

Tackling anti-social behaviour

Anti-social behaviour has a very wide range of types and has a large impact on the community, causing fear and anxiety for many. 

We aim for our communities to be a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. We want to engage with those causing such behaviour to let them know it will not be tolerated, and curb this offending. We work with our partner agencies to collaborate on the best solution to this problem. Please get in contact with us if you are experiencing this type of behaviour. 

Drink Driving

With the extra people and tourism the summer weather brings, we will continue to target those who drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.  We will continue to carry out routine stop-checks and breath tests to ensure drivers who take risks and drive while over the prescribed limit(s) are brought to justice. 

We would encourage you to make use of the "Lift Legend" campaign in local pubs and to report anyone who is or is likely to drive whilst over the limit on 999. 

If you are aware of someone who has been taking this kind of risk recently, we urge you report it to us via 101, our website or Neighbourhood email account.  

Homelessness

With the improving weather in the South Hams for the summer, it is possible that more homeless people will move towards the coastal region. We would ask people to report any homeless persons to us and the local council so that we can assess their needs and provide any support necessary. 

Shoplifting

In the lead up to Christmas we may see an increased in retail crime including shoplifting.  We intend to focus on engagement with local businesses to warn of any active criminals in the area and encourage reporting of theft offences to Police   

Violence Against Women and Girls

We aim to provide a consistent and positive response to all reports of domestic abuse, sexual violence and child exploitation. 

We regularly engage with internal and external partners to provide a co-ordinated approach to target those persistent perpetrators of violence, harassment and exploitation of women and girls. 

We aim to pursue criminal justice outcomes whilst providing support and safeguarding to victims who have a right to live without fear of being targeted. We actively encourage the reporting of any offence involving women, girls or indeed any vulnerable or young person.

Operation Frant

Ongoing community tension and public protest regarding Dartmoor land access and wild camping.

Following the large scale protest on 21 January, police continue to work with land owners, protest groups and the Dartmoor National Park to promote public safety.

Update: 01 March 2023 - Our activity:

• High Visibility patrol for community reassurance
• Supporting and listening to local concerns
• Providing a police response to protests and the community
• Managing the public safety during this sensitive time