Addressing persistent and repeat crime, particularly ASB,
remains a key Neighbourhood Policing priority in North Devon,
consistently highlighted through surveys and community engagement.
Local policing teams work closely with North Devon District
Council and partners to tackle issues, making it vital for residents
to report concerns directly to Devon & Cornwall Police
online or to the Council

Issued 16 May 2026

My team and I are continuing to Police South Molton and our rural communities using a variety of tactics, combing a mixture of high vis patrols on foot and using our vehicles to get over to the more rural communities to speak with our communities.

Over the last couple of months we have seen a few instances of antisocial behaviour across the various parishes where we continue to engage with those responsible and deal with them positively. It is though a timely reminder to those within our communities that we are growing, there are new developments popping up all over the area and with that we are seeing a slight rise in what is considered to be antisocial behaviour in parishes that were historically less densely populated. Tolerance levels maybe somewhat frayed as a result however we will though support those areas as they transition with this growth.

I wish to also remind people of signing up to our messaging platform, you can sign up for free on this link https://community-messaging.dc.police.uk/ and this will enable us to interact more swiftly and to share our more regular messages.

Actioned 17 March 2026

Enhancing neighbourhood policing engagement across Devon & Cornwall remains a key priority, with a focus on building trust, improving communication, and strengthening relationships with local communities. Through regular engagement, partnership working, and visible policing, we aim to better understand local concerns and encourage residents to share information, ensuring policing activity reflects and responds to the needs of the communities we serve.

Issued 16 May 2026

No action

Addressing the use, possession and supply of controlled substances (drugs) across North Devon remains our local Neighbourhood policing priority. This aspect featured highly amongst recent surveys and through our interactions with community members and parish and district councils colleagues.

The local policing teams across North Devon rely heavily on information being shared by local residents and community members in regards to drug use, possession and supply. This enables an enriched picture to inform local officers and patrols to identify, detect and disrupt such activity. Therefore if you become aware or observe information relating to drug usage, please contact either D&C Police online or consider contacting Crimestoppers (0800 555 111) who offer an anonymous reporting process.

Issued 17 March 2026

We have had a rather positive start to 2026 when it comes to tackling this priority, working alongside the Post Office we have managed to intercept a number of small parcels containing a small amount of drugs that were destined for individuals in the area. We were also part of a successful warrant that saw The Old Bank in Broad Street being targeted resulting in the dismantling of a Cannabis grow where over 150+ plants were seized. The investigation shall be ongoing but an individual was arrested and was charged to attend court.

I still request that those within our community continue to give us intelligence about properties which are possibly being used for nefarious means. This can be either done via 101 or Crimestoppers which will then allow us to develop the picture further.

We are holding a number of meetings over the coming months, please drop in and say Hi and discuss with us any concerns that you may have.

Actioned 17 March 2026