Sidmouth

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.

The Sidmouth Neighbourhood Team responded to a report of criminal damage at public toilets in Newton Poppleford involving two teenage boys. Both youths have been issued with Antisocial Behaviour Warning Letters, and the damage is being addressed through a locally agreed Community Resolution.
In Sidmouth, officers have identified two children involved in interfering with parked vehicles with the intention of stealing from them. The individuals have been identified and are now being dealt with by the Child Centred Policing Team.
A male from the Sidford area has been issued with a Community Resolution after reports that he had been throwing glass bottles from a window, creating a hazard due to broken glass on the pavement. The individual admitted the behaviour and apologised. He has been warned that continued offending could result in further enforcement action, including prosecution.
Officers have also made referrals to Adult Social Care regarding an elderly male whose behaviour towards members of the public has caused concern. Police and social care professionals are working jointly to address the issues. The individual is already subject to a Community Protection Warning, and officers are exploring further options alongside East Devon District Council.
Neighbourhood officers continue to carry out patrols in identified antisocial behaviour hotspots. The team has also been meeting with local councillors, schools, health services and charitable organisations to discuss opportunities to improve youth provision across the Sidmouth area.

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.

The Neighbourhood Police Team continues to work closely with the community to gather intelligence regarding drug supply within the area.
Following a proactive police investigation, a youth suspected of involvement in the supply of cannabis has been interviewed and reported for offences relating to drug supply. The matter will now be referred to the Youth Justice Team.
PCSO Starkey has been conducting joint visits with a Housing Officer from East Devon District Council to addresses where illegal cannabis use is suspected. Occupants have been warned that continued drug use within their properties may result in tenancy enforcement action.
The team has also assisted colleagues across East Devon, including supporting the arrest of a drug driver and locating suspected cocaine during the search of an individual.
In early July, officers from the Child Centred Policing Team and the Neighbourhood Police Team will be delivering educational inputs at Sidmouth College. The sessions will focus on drug awareness, knife crime and criminal exploitation.
While disrupting drug supply remains a priority, officers will also continue targeting personal drug possession through an intelligence-led approach. Anyone with information about drug-related activity is encouraged to report it. Always call 999 if you believe somebody is driving while under the influence of drugs.

If you suspect illegal activity in your area please report it via 101 online or by phone. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

Rural Crime & Engagement

Rural crime is an issue affecting large areas of our county but often goes unreported. Due to the unique geography of our patch it can often be a challenging issue to police and robustly tackle. We aim to improve relations and connectivity within the community by attending rural events to offer crime prevention advice.

The Neighbourhood Police Team recently investigated reports of a male shooting birds on agricultural land in the Sidford area. Officers are aware that footage of the incident circulated locally and generated significant discussion. Following enquiries, it was established that the activity was lawful and no further action will be taken. Nevertheless, anyone with concerns regarding firearms or hunting activity is encouraged to report them to police.
Officers have also received reports of a youth causing unlawful suffering to a fledgling bird in Sidmouth. A suspect has been identified and enquiries are ongoing with the Child Centred Policing Team.
Police attended a report of a dog left in a hot vehicle in Sidmouth. The dog, an 18-year-old toy poodle, had no access to water and appeared distressed. An officer attended promptly and, using powers under Sections 18 and 19 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, entered the vehicle by breaking a window. The dog was removed, provided with water and fortunately suffered no lasting harm. The owner was dealt with for permitting unnecessary suffering to an animal and will be responsible for the damage caused to the vehicle during the rescue.
As temperatures remain high, we remind all dog owners to consider animal welfare during periods of hot weather. Avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day and never leave a dog unattended in a vehicle. If you believe an animal is in immediate danger, call 999.