Last week (25 November – 1 December 2024) police forces across the country took part in a week of intensified activity to detect and disrupt County Lines activity which brings violence and exploitation to the south west. County Lines is the term used to describe drug dealing where mobile phones are used to supply drugs, typically from large cities to towns and rural areas. County Lines are run by ‘Line Holders’ and the runners, often vulnerable people, deliver the drugs. The runners are often children being exploited and may possess knives or other weapons.
More than 2,000 hours of extra police patrols across Devon and Cornwall have resulted in 62 arrests during the first quarter of a hotspot policing initiative. The scheme, which launched in May this year, aims to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence.
Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez secured £1 million of Home Office funding to deliver additional police and street marshal patrols. Crime data was used to identify hotspots in 13 towns and cities across the peninsula.
In its first quarter, the initiative delivered 2,104 additional hours of...
Police in Exeter have revealed their latest results following high visibility patrols over the festive period.
Officers in the city stepped up patrols over Christmas and New Year to keep shoppers and visitors safe. The area was busy with extra people in the city centre enjoying the Cathedral Green festive market and other seasonal activities.
Police work closely with partners such as the council and local charities and the positive work will continue into the new year with more foot patrols and community contact.
Inspector Simon Arliss, who heads up the Exeter...
Police officers in Exeter have thanked the public for their support in the run up to the festive period.
The busy Christmas market, which ran for a month in the Cathedral Green area, attracts bumper crowds of visitors and the local Neighbourhood Police Team have been kept busy ensuring the safety of the public in the city.
As well as enhanced patrols, officers have been carrying out covert shoplifting operations in hotspots to catch any opportunistic thieves. Several arrests took place in November and December and police will continue to keep a close eye on daytime...
Devon & Cornwall Police is reminding people to take care of themselves, their friends and family while celebrating the festive period in its latest drive to tackle violent crime.
Officers will be carrying out enhanced patrols and a range of initiatives in the main towns and cities across the two counties in a bid to help keep people safe.
In Exeter, there will be additional officers working late shifts on key dates during the Christmas period to carry out high-visibility patrols.
These officers will be supported by colleagues from the Special Constabulary...
Communities across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are being urged to come forward and report any drug-related activity to help build an intelligence-rich picture as part of a regional campaign to disrupt county lines gangs.
The Operation Scorpion intensification campaign will be taking place across the South West, with exact locations and timings being withheld.
Op Scorpion, now in its sixth iteration since inception, harnesses the collective powers of the region to disrupt drug-related crime and ensure young people and their families are warned about the...
Police are currently investigating two incidents of aggravated burglary which happened in the St Thomas area of Exeter.
The first incident took place at the Dawn ‘til Dark Premier Store, on Princes Street East, at around 9pm on Monday 10 April. A man, dressed in grey hoody, black trousers with a concealed face, entered the store and demanded money from the till.
The second incident happened at the store on Saturday 3 June at around 9.45pm, again, a man dressed in a grey hoody entered the shop and demanded money. On both occasions, he was in possession of a small knife...
Officers will be present throughout the day to ensure a safe matchday
Police are planning for the Devon derby with Exeter City taking on Plymouth Argyle at St James’ Park this Saturday 15 April, with a midday kick-off.
With Plymouth Argyle in the hunt for automatic promotion to the Championship, and Exeter City looking to cap an excellent return to League One for the Grecians with a win over their local rivals, the match, which is an all-ticket affair, has already sold out.
Superintendent Tom Holmes, the officer in charge of the operation, said: “We are...
Police are investigating a sexual assault that took place in Exeter over the weekend.
Officers are undertaking searches in the Ludwell Valley Park area of Exeter following a report of a sexual assault having taken place on the afternoon of Sunday 9 April.
Detective Superintendent Jon Bancroft said: “Officers remain in the area undertaking enquiries following the report of a sexual assault in the area, and a scene guard is in place within Ludwell Valley Park.
“We are appealing for witnesses and would like to hear from anyone who was in the area and saw anything...
Devon & Cornwall Police are reminding people to respect and protect rural communities and businesses this Easter, when exploring the countryside.
With the tourism season traditionally starting over the Easter holidays, Cornwall and Devon’s population can increase by around a third.
Cornwall’s Rural Affairs Officer for Devon & Cornwall Police, PC Chris Collins said: “We’d like to encourage people to take extra care when they explore the countryside this Easter to help protect our environment, our wildlife and our historic landmarks.
