Special approach to rural crime

Devon and Cornwall police are taking a special approach to combating rural crime.

On Saturday 6 June, special constables carried out an operation around Axminster. Operation Betony which was led by Special Sergeant Piers Layburn and was carried out by a total of nine Special Constables and one Police Constable.

Op Betony involves running stock-checks on all vehicles throughout the evening and undertaking searches if necessary.

Special Sergeant Piers Layburn said: “This is the third time we have carried out an Operation Betony in the Axminster area. The majority who we pull over and speak to are extremely positive about the operation, as it reassures them that we are in the area and taking rural crime seriously.

“As well as running checks on the vehicles, we speak to the driver and passengers about rural crime and run through a number of anti-crime measures that the public could take to help reduce the chance of them becoming a victim.

“In total over 60 vehicles were stop-checked with one driver being reported for no insurance, two for no MOT and another being arrested for driving under the influence.  We are looking to continue carrying out these operations across East Devon.”