Responding to Anti Social Behaviour

Issued 21 July 2025

To work with our local communities to identify areas where Anti Social behaviour is prevalent.
To work in partnership with local councils, housing associations and other organisations, to form problem solving plans to reduce as much as possible any form of Anti Social behaviour.
We will carry out high visibility patrols and engage with those present and to reassure our communities
Where necessary we will use both criminal law and civil injunctions against those who are persistently responsible for Anti social behaviour

Anti-Social Behaviour

Members of the Neighbourhood Police Team have been conducting Hi Visibility patrols around The Ashburton and Buckfastleigh area.
We have carried out partnership work with the Dartmoor Rangers engaging with visitors across Dartmoor. At this time of year, the number of visitors to the area can clash with the requirements of both local communities and livestock on the Moor.
Speeding vehicles, Barbecues, noise and litter are often some of the complaints made to the Rangers and Police.

August Update

Members of the Neighbourhood Team have been working with the Community Safety partnership to issue Community Protection Warnings and Community Protection Notices in relation to Anti Social Behaviour and criminality. We are also looking to utilise the process to deal with street drinking in the area which is causing a nuisance.
Members of the team also took part in the patrolling areas on Dartmoor which have historically been the sites of unlicensed music events (Raves).
No such events happened over the Bank holiday weekend but there was engagement with visitors to the area.

September Update
Local Neighbourhood Officers have been made aware of an incident of 4X4 vehicles accessing private areas without owner’s permission to engage in off road motoring.
This incident involved a local quarry where access was gained, and 3 vehicles appeared to be racing around the dirt tracks.
Police attended and seized one vehicle; 2 other drivers were issued with section 59 warning notices for driving in an anti-social manner. The section 59 warning means if either vehicle is seen driving in an anti-social manner again or if either driver is seen driving any vehicle in an anti-social manner, the vehicle can be seized.
Illegally accessing any site would be at least a trespass offence but may also involve criminal damage or other offences. You also leave yourself open to the anti-social behaviour process.
Quarries in particular can be very dangerous places to access with often unseen hazards.
Please if you engage in off roading activity in any vehicle, do not access private land without the owner’s permission.
Remember your vehicle must be road worthy to drive on any highway including green lanes.
Respect others using the area who may be on foot, a bicycle or horse.

Actioned 15 September 2025

Disruption of Drug Supply and use

Issued 21 July 2025

To identify areas where there drug use takes place, and to identify those involved in both the supply and use of illegal drugs.
To support our communities by providing high visibility reassurance patrols and engage with our communities to identify their concerns.
To engage with our schools and other learning establishments to provide support to them and their pupils
To work with our Police colleagues, councils and other organisations to identify specific areas or persons of concerns and have a proactive response to preventing offending.

Drug Supply interruption.
Carrying out speed checks in Ashburton a driver was stopped and found to be under the influence of drugs as well as being in possession of drugs and driving whist disqualified.
Intelligence is being monitored from within our communities to identify persons, vehicles and areas linked to drug use

August Update

Officers continue to disrupt drug activity, and acting on community intelligence a male in Buckfastleigh has been arrested for a number of criminal offences including possession of offensive weapons, possession of cannabis, public order and criminal damage.
Other items were located included a throwing knife and 2 BB gas cylinder guns all of which were disclaimed by the offender, who is now waiting sentencing at court.

We will continue to work with our colleagues, communities and partners to tackle this type of criminality.

Actioned 28 August 2025

Responding to thefts from Shops

Issued 21 July 2025

We will be engaging with our retail outlets to listen to their concerns, give security advice when required and gather evidence to support any action against offenders.
We will work with our colleagues particularly where children or young people are involved to ensure they are safeguarded as well as being aware of the potential criminality of their actions.
We will deal with prolific thieves using banning letters, civil orders and where necessary the criminal justice system to make them take responsibilities for their actions

Theft from shops

Patrols of the high street in both Ashburton and Buckfastleigh have taken place in support of our retail outlets. We will be out in the next month responding to any reports of thefts from our retail community.

Actioned 04 August 2025

Devon and Cornwall Police and your Neighbourhood Teams are working hard to deal with important crimes and threats. Our current force priorities are:

• Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)
• Organised Drug Supply
• Serious and Organised Crime
• Child Sexual Abuse
• Serious Violence and Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)
• Road Safety

Issued 30 June 2025

Carrying out speed checks in Ashburton a driver was stopped and found to be under the influence of drugs as well as being in possession of drugs and driving whist disqualified.
We have carried out partnership work with the Dartmoor Rangers engaging with visitors across Dartmoor. At this time of year, the number of visitors to the area can clash with the requirements of both local communities and livestock on the Moor.
Speeding vehicles, Barbecues, noise and litter are often some of the complaints made to the Rangers and Police.
Members of the Neighbourhood Team supported a road safety event at South Dartmoor Community college. Students were given scenarios based around road safety and encouraged to come up with solutions. A great day was had by all.

September updates
The Neighbourhood Police team have recently been contacting local running clubs to see if whilst out running, groups or individuals are the subject of anti-social behaviour.
Particular to the contact is the potential of anti-social and criminal behaviour against women and girls, and this is part of our commitment to reduce such behaviour and hold those guilty of it to account.
We want to make sure that everyone can enjoy their exercise, and if there are any places where runners feel unsafe, they let need to us know so that we can work with partners to ease any concerns.

Actioned 19 September 2025