Antisocial driving and vehicle offences (including road crime)

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 these criteria. This also includes the use of unrestricted e-bikes and e-scooters being used on public highways.

Issued 01 October 2026

We have conducted high visibility patrols along the main routes in to and out of Axminster, providing reassurance to motorists and other road users.

A speed op is planned for later this year involving members of the Devon and Cornwall Road Safety Team and CREWKERNE ROAD and LYME ROAD will be included as part of this operation

Further traffic ops will be planned throughout the year.

Actioned 01 November 2026

Town centre and youth ASB

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 District Council, local schools, local shops, pubs, and Devon Highways.

Axminster has a ‘HOTSPOT’ which officers regularly patrol on foot and in marked police vehicles. This ‘HOTSPOT’ covers the town centre including the Minster Green, the rear of TESCO and CASTLE STREET. This ‘HOTSPOT’ has been developed using the data from recorded crimes and ASB incidents and enables officers to target their patrols accordingly.

Issued 01 October 2026

ASB patrols have continued throughout the month, particularly in hot spot areas around the MINSTER GREEN, TESCO and WEST STREET.

- On 28/10/2026 a prolific shoplifter was detained and investigation is currently progressing
- On 31/10/206 officers joined Axminster Town Council, Nourish, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Axminster Community Shed, Pippins and St Mary's Church for an event on the Minster Green. This was a community event aimed at providing families with a cost effective option for Halloween. Officers were visible on the Church Green throughout the evening and provided reassurance and advice for children and families.

Further reports of ASB cycling have been received and we will continue to proactively police those who cycle dangerously on the roads in and around Axminster.

Actioned 01 November 2026

Cross border crime (including rural crime)

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. Due to the very nature of where AXMINSTER, and the surrounding parishes, is positioned in the county, close to the border with Somerset and Dorset, there is an ongoing threat of criminals from out of force committing offences within the locality.

The Axminster team, with assistance from the wider east Devon Neighbourhood Team, will continue to target offenders who travel in from out of force and disrupt their activities. The team also works closely with their counterparts in Avon and Somerset and Dorset to share information and target known offenders.

As part of our commitment to engaging with rural communities the team has visited every parish within its patch and carried out village walk abouts as well as police surgeries at village halls. 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 01 October 2026

Rural engagement took place at UPLYME in OCTOBER. Officers attended the location and carried out foot patrol, spoke with local councillors and members of the public.

Officers also visited UPLYME PRIMARY SCHOOL and engaged with a number of children, their parents and staff from the school.

A rural crime prevention event was held at MILLERS FARM SHOP, in partnership with the Devon and Cornwall Rural Affairs Team. A number of items of property were marked using SELECTA DNA and crime prevention advice was given to those who attended.

Further rural engagement to take place throughout the year and will be advertised by Community Messaging.

Actioned 01 November 2026