Reduce Antisocial Behaviour

Anti-Social 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 including: Personal ASB, Nuisance ASB, and environmental ASB. This can include littering, noise, inconsiderate behaviour, nuisance calls, antisocial driving, abandoned vehicles, begging, and street drinking.

Issued 01 September 2026

The Sidmouth Neighbourhood Police Team has been actively responding to local concerns and working with partner agencies to help keep our communities safe.

Blackmore Gardens Criminal Damage - Following reports of damage being caused at the former GP Surgery in Blackmore Gardens, officers identified a juvenile male suspect. He has since been arrested and, following further investigation, will be referred to the Youth Justice Service. An Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) warning letter has also been issued.

Addressing Persistent Antisocial Behaviour - An adult female arrested in connection with drunken ASB offending in the Triangle has now been interviewed. Officers are preparing a file for court and will be applying for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which would prohibit her from being drunk in public.

A second adult female has been arrested and bailed after reports that she was racially abusive towards hospitality workers. Subject to a charging decision by the Crown Prosecution Service, the Neighbourhood Policing Team will also seek a Criminal Behaviour Order.

Supporting Victims of Domestic Abuse - Throughout August, the Neighbourhood Team has assisted with several arrests and investigations relating to domestic abuse offences. As well as the impact these incidents have on victims, they can understandably cause concern within the wider community. Officers have been heavily involved in providing ongoing safeguarding and support to those affected.

Positive Outcomes Through Community Resolution - Where appropriate, officers have continued to use out-of-court restorative justice and community resolutions. During August, this approach helped achieve positive outcomes for victims of offences including criminal damage, assault, harassment, malicious communications, and an incident involving a dog being dangerously out of control.

High-Visibility Patrols - Officers continue to carry out proactive patrols in areas identified as antisocial behaviour hotspots in Sidmouth and Newton Poppleford

Actioned 01 September 2026

Drug Possession and Supply

The effects of illegal drugs have devasting impact within the community leading to anti-social behaviour, violence, and safeguarding issues. Community intelligence is invaluable to Police in dealing effectively with drug suppliers. Information from the public helps to prevent and detect crime, whilst ensuring the safeguarding and protection of our community.

Issued 01 September 2026

Tackling Drug Supply and Associated Crime - The Neighbourhood Police Team continues to work closely with the community and partner agencies to gather intelligence and tackle drug supply across the area.

Following a proactive investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised charges against an adult male from Sidmouth for offences relating to the supply of cocaine. The male was arrested by the Neighbourhood Police Team in late 2025 and will appear before the court after being issued with a postal requisition.

Successful Enforcement Activity During Folk Week - Officers have increased patrols in locations known for drug use and supply. These areas are often linked to higher levels of antisocial behaviour, and targeted patrols aim to deter offending while providing reassurance to the community.

During Folk Week, the Neighbourhood Police Team was supported by officers from the Professional Development Unit (PDU) and Neighbourhood Support Team (NST). This enhanced police presence allowed officers to proactively target areas of concern, including Manstone Skate Park.

As a result of this activity, officers recovered a significant quantity of Class A and Class B drugs, cash, and a knife. Two males were arrested following positive stop searches, and enquiries remain ongoing.

Criminal Behaviour Order Sought - A juvenile male has been charged with being in possession of an offensive weapon and a communications offence, following an investigation by the Child Centred Policing Team. These offences are associated with drug-related activity. The Neighbourhood Police Team have submitted a Criminal Behaviour Order application for this male. The order aims to disrupt harmful criminal activity with relevant prohibitions.

Reporting Information - Information from the public remains vital in helping police tackle drug crime. If you suspect illegal activity in your area, please report it via Devon & Cornwall Police online or by calling 101. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Actioned 01 September 2026

Road Safety & Community Engagement -

Keeping our roads safe remains a policing priority at a local, force-wide and national level. The consequences of road traffic collisions can be life-changing and, in the most serious cases, fatal.

The Neighbourhood Police Team works alongside specialist policing units to keep road users safe and target those who use the road network to commit crime. This includes tackling dangerous driving, identifying uninsured or unsafe vehicles, and dealing with drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Officers continue to engage, educate and, where necessary, enforce legislation relating to the Fatal Five driving offences: Speeding, Drink and drug driving, Not wearing a seatbelt, Using a mobile phone while driving, Careless or inconsiderate driving

By focusing on these key offences, we aim to reduce collisions, prevent injuries and improve road safety for everyone.

Alongside our enforcement activity, the Neighbourhood Police Team remains committed to engaging with the community through a variety of events and initiatives.

Throughout the year, officers attend local events, schools, community groups and public engagements to build relationships, listen to concerns and provide crime prevention advice. These opportunities can help us gather valuable intelligence, identify emerging issues, support ongoing investigations and increase public confidence in local policing.

Just as importantly, they provide residents, businesses and visitors with the chance to speak directly with officers, ask questions and discuss issues that matter to them and their communities.

Issued 01 September 2026

Responding to Community Concerns - Following several reports from residents regarding speeding in Newton Poppleford, the Neighbourhood Police Team worked with colleagues from Vision Zero South West and Devon County Council to address these concerns. As a result, a vehicle-activated sign has now been installed on the A3052, opposite the junction with Back Lane. The sign illuminates when drivers exceed the 30mph speed limit, helping to encourage safer driving and improve road safety in the area.

Road Traffic Enforcement - The Neighbourhood Police Team continues to take action against road users who break the law. During August, officers seized two vehicles being driven without valid insurance, and an adult male was reported for driving without third-party insurance.

Addressing Antisocial Parking - Officers have been in correspondence with Devon County Council in relation to reports of antisocial parking. Whilst police officers and staff do not have the civil enforcement powers of the Council, the Neighbourhood Police Team have attended a report of dangerous parking, as well as a vehicle obstructing a highway.

Community Engagement - Throughout August, the Neighbourhood Police Team adjusted shift patterns to support both the Sidmouth Folk Festival and Sidmouth Air Show. Officers carried out numerous foot patrols across the town, engaging with residents and visitors throughout both events.

These patrols provided an opportunity to offer reassurance, discuss local concerns and strengthen relationships within the community. We were also delighted to hand out countless police stickers to children (and the occasional adult) helping to put smiles on faces and create positive interactions with local policing.

Looking Ahead - The Neighbourhood Police Team will be attending Sidmouth Carnival on Saturday 26th September. If you see us while you're there, please feel free to stop for a chat, ask a question, or simply give us a wave.

Actioned 01 September 2026