Update - Vehicle Theft & Interference - Bere Alston

A 17-year-old has been charged with attempted theft of a motor vehicle and assaulting an emergency worker following an increase in reports of vehicle interference in Bere Alston. 
They have been remanded in Police custody to appear in Court on Tuesday 17th February. The individual will not be returning to the area thereafter. 

As local Policing Sergeant I am aware that recent events in the village have caused a significant concern amongst the local community. I would like to reassure you that we identified others that were initially suspected of also being involved and can confirm that our enquiries have satisfied that the 2 further males in question have been eliminated from our enquiries. I cannot go into further details due to reporting restrictions related to juvenile suspects and ongoing legal proceedings. 

Speculation on social media has not been helpful in this instance and in future I would appeal to the public to contact Police directly if they have information to assist enquiries or have concerns they wish to discuss. Prejudice of our investigations through misinformation can lead to Police being unable to provide justice for victims and less able to keep our communities safe.

We thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Tom Ottley