Rural Crime & Engagement

Rural crime is an issue for large areas of the country, but it tends to go unreported. It can impact on insurance premiums, food prices, the environment, and can damage local communities.

The Honiton Neighbourhood Team are conducting a visible presence in the rural community to offer reassurance and crime prevention. The aim is to improve connectivity with the rural communities and provide education to users of our beautiful countryside. This includes attending rural events to gain knowledge about the issues effecting the rural communities and to offer the crime prevention advice.

Issued 13 March 2026

We have conducted numerous high visibility patrols in our rural areas over the last month in places such as Offwell, Dunkeswell, and Upottery.

We have also visited those affected and offered crime prevention advice to local residents following further crimes reported to the police.

From 5-8th March, we conducted an Operation in the region targeting these incidents using intelligence led data. This operation did not lead to any arrests for burglaries, however a number of positive S23 Misuse of Drugs Act searches were carried out, along with 2 vehicle seizures for no insurance, and a Drink Drive arrest. Due to a high police presence in the area, no burglaries were reported with the Honiton area during this period

Actioned 02 March 2026

Anti-Social Driving & Vehicle Offences
There will be an increased focus on Road Safety within our rural communities to reduce collisions, improve driver behaviours and increase community confidence through visible, intelligence led road policing activity. This will include conducting speed checks in identified hotspot areas, supporting and expanding Community Speed Watch Activity, address vehicle related ASB through engagement and enforcement, and promoting road safety awareness.

Issued 13 March 2026

Thanks to reports from members of the public there have been 3 arrests for drink or drug drive in Honiton over the last 3 weeks alone, with a number of drink/drug drive cases from the end of last year now being at court for a first hearing. ASB driving is being continually tackled with proactive stops and WOA where applicable, however S59 noticed can and will be issued where appropriate. We are encouraging the public the report any of the above offences to us.

Actioned 02 March 2026