Crop Cop police tractor turns heads at Teignmouth blue light event

Crop Cop police tractor turns heads at Teignmouth blue light event

The new Devon & Cornwall Police tractor rolled into Teignmouth on Monday as part of the town’s fantastic Blue Light Day.

Local residents and holiday makers in the coastal resort had chance to get up close with the newly-named ‘Crop Cop’ machine during the event at The Den, close to Teignmouth Pier.

The officers attending the event aimed to raise the profile and awareness around dogs worrying livestock and fly tipping, as well as answering any questions visitors had about policing in the local community

Police Community Support Officers Saul Bunce and Liz Francis from the Teignmouth neighbourhood team, as well as PC George Miller, attended the event alongside Rural Affairs officer PC Clarke Orchard.

Clarke explained: “We are mindful that during the busy summer period we have a large footfall of tourists and visitors in our lovely rural locations and beauty spots.

“Some of these locations are likely to have livestock present, which is why it was key for us to remind owners about the importance of keeping dogs on leads when walking in areas near livestock or where they are likely to be. This advice applies all year round. 

“We enjoyed meeting everyone on the day and it was also a good opportunity to remind people about the recent legislation changes around Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendments) Act 2025 which came into effect on 18 March this year.

“The updates to this legislation mean that alpacas and llamas are now recognised as livestock, and owners found guilty of irresponsible dog ownership will face unlimited fines.”

During the event stickers and flags were handed out to children and youngsters could also try on police hats and sit in the back of a police van.

Some of the other organisations taking part in the Blue Light day on Monday 27 July included the RNLI and the local sea cadets. The event is part of the busy Teignmouth Carnival Week which runs until Saturday 1 August.  

The Devon & Cornwall ‘Crop Cop’ tractor is on loan from Masons Kings and will appear at various community events this year, including agricultural shows. 

Livestock worrying is when a dog attacks, chases or causes stress to one or more farm animals. Chasing, biting, barking or stalking causes the animals to panic and, even without physical contact, they can experience severe suffering.

For more information about rural crime matters and to report incidents please call 101 or visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website Home | Devon & Cornwall Police

If you are a farmer and wish to receive tailored crime prevention advice via email you can also sign up to the Devon & Cornwall Community Messaging system. This is a free service and allows users to submit information to police, as well as receive help. Find out more by clicking here Home Page - Devon and Cornwall Community Messaging

To get regular updates from local police teams you can also follow Teignmouth and Dawlish Police on Facebook.  

First photo shows PCSO Saul Bunce (left) with Rural Affairs officer PC Clarke Orchard and the Crop Cop tractor. Second photo shows PC George Miller with a young visitor at the event.