Rural crime

Devon and Cornwall is the largest police force in England and the vast majority of the area is rural. The team covers a large area of Exmoor bordering alongside Avon and Somerset Constabulary, who we work closely with.

 Given how isolated and remote the location is this can often be seen as a soft target for criminals and can invariably lead to an increase in reported thefts of livestock, farm and plant machinery, equine property, fuel theft and items forming part of our local heritage.

As a team we also encounter victims that have been intimidated and suffered damage by poachers, fly tipping, poor control of dogs and those illegally damaging our environment and wildlife.

We will be actively carrying out rural crime patrols, attending key events within the community and assisting the Rural Affairs Unit providing support to those who need it. We will also be supported by colleagues from Roads Policing taking part in Operation Landlike, with a specific focus in and around the Exmoor area. This seeks to compliment the current South West regional activity being promoted to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries under the Vision Zero South West.

Drugs

As a team we understand the impact that drug related offending has on the community, especially those that are vulnerable. This includes exploitation of young people through county lines, drug related ASB and public health issues for drug users.

We want to identify those who are causing harm to our communities through drug offences. We can employ a number of tactics to do this and need information from the public to direct these tactics effectively.

If you suspect that drugs are being used or dealt from an address please contact our team at [email protected] or alternatively via 101

Antisocial Behaviour - Dealing effectively in a proportionate and robust manner

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) causes significant distress in our communities and can have an impact on local businesses. 

 Through recent events it has become apparent that our communities are experiencing anti social behaviour linked to the use of E-Scooters, E-Bikes being ridden in a dangerous and antisocial manner. 

  We are also aware that at present there has been a rise in vandalism within our community and work will be undertaken to eradicate this and prevent a reoccurrence. 

Our actions may include 

• Seizing alcohol and drugs
• Using stop and search powers
• Dispersing problem groups
• Arresting offenders
• Using ASB escalation powers (in conjunction with partners), to place offenders on court orders.

Update: 25 November 2024 - ASB - UPDATE 25/11

As a team we continue to deal with ASB related matters proportionately and effectively, in South Molton we have recently issued a Community Protection Notice on a female whose behaviour was causing distress to those living within her vicinity. It is hoped that working with partner agencies including the local authority and housing that we can stop this behaviour by offering support to the female concerned and also her neighbours. 

We have also seen an increase in ASB in some of our more rural locations and as a result we are increasing our patrols with a view to utilise our current legislation and powers to resolve the problem. 

Alcohol & Drug related Crime and Disorder in Town Centre areas

This priority is to safeguard communities from serious ASB, violence against women and girls and alcohol and drug related issues.

Update: 28 November 2024 - Ilfracombe Town Centre