South Molton Rural

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

Over the past few months, the team has remained extremely proactive, resulting in the seizure of a number of vehicles for various offences and the arrest of several individuals. While this work is essential, it can at times draw resources away from our regular activities, such as high-visibility patrols. Nevertheless, we remain committed to maintaining the high standard of service that our communities rightly expect.
We are currently observing a gradual increase in reported crime and anti-social behaviour. I would strongly encourage members of the public to continue reporting incidents. This information is vital in enabling us to accurately deploy our resources, ensuring officers are present in the areas of greatest need and supporting the most vulnerable within our community.
In recent months, we have issued a number of Community Protection Warnings. Given the escalation in certain behaviours, we are now also looking to progress to issuing formal notices in order to prevent further issues and protect the wider community.
Finally, I would like to remind residents about our community messaging platform. You can sign up for free via the following link: https://community-messaging.dc.police.uk/. This service allows us to share updates more efficiently and engage with the community in a more timely and effective manner.

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.

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.

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.