Reduce Anti-Social Behaviour

Antisocial behaviour (ASB) is defined as 'behaviour by a person which causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to persons not of the same household as the person'. There are three main categories of ASB which depends on how many people are affected: personal ASB, nuisance ASB, and environmental ASB. This can include littering, noise, inconsiderate behaviour, nuisance calls, antisocial driving, abandoned vehicles, begging, and street drinking.
To reduce and target ASB in the community the East Devon Neighbourhood team work with partner agencies such as East Devon Council, local schools, local shops, pubs, and Highways.
The Axminster Neighbourhood Team will be actively patrolling these ‘hotspot’ areas during specific times to target ASB. This will be between 0800 and 0930hrs, between 1500 and 1700hrs and between 0000-0300hrs, when they are available. The current hotspots are the Skate Park on Cloakham Drive, Axminster town centre, and Tesco.

Issued 14 October 2025

Members of the public had raised concerns about the anti-social use of bicycles in AXMINSTER. This included cyclists riding aggressively towards members of the public, deliberately cycling towards motorists and general dangerous cycling at night when it is much harder to be seen by other road users.

As a result the Neighbourhood team organised a bike safety and security event at AXMINSTER SKATE PARK during the October half term.

The aim of the event was to educate cyclists and also offer road safety advice as well as information about bike register and how to keep your bicycle secure.

The event was well attended by families and young children and we will aim to hold more events like this in the future.

Actioned 28 October 2025

Anti-Social Driving & Vehicle Offences

The Axminster Neighbourhood Team and Devon and Cornwall Police are working to reduce the number of casualties and road traffic collisions in our area, through proactive work and positive action.

Vehicle crime includes theft from motor vehicles, vehicles being driven without insurance and/or a valid driving licence, vehicle theft, unroadworthy vehicles, and drink and drug driving. Antisocial driving such as speeding, revving, loud music and large car meets also meets this criteria.

Issued 14 October 2025

High visibility traffic operation and speed watch held on the A358 corridor between AXMINSTER and SEATON. Officers deployed in marked and unmarked vehicles and at a static location using the speed gun to monitor the speed of motorists.

Motorists spoken with and given education and advice about their speed and manner of driving.

Actioned 17 October 2025

Drug Possession and Supply

Drugs can have a devastating social impact on community life and on those who are dependent on them. It can lead to anti-social behaviour, violence, safeguarding concerns, and other crime.

Community intelligence is invaluable to the Police, and without it would limit the ability to gain drug warrants and target offenders. Information from the public helps to prevent and detect crime, whilst ensuring the safeguarding and protection of our community. You may think that the information you hold will not be useful but it may be the final missing piece to the puzzle. If you suspect illegal activity in your area please report it via 101 online or by phone. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111

Issued 14 October 2025

Pubs Against Drugs operation involving officers from across Rural East Devon. Plain clothes officers attended a selection of pubs in AXMINSTER following concerns raised by publicans and members of the public.

The aim of the evening was to disrupt low level drug use within licensed premises in the town.

Thankfully no issues were noted on the night, and everyone was in good spirits. More operations to be held in the future as we continue to combat drug use in AXMINSTER and the surrounding area.

Actioned 18 October 2025