Police patrols will target festive crime hotspots

Shoplifting, drink-driving and drink spiking on the hitlist

Police in South Devon are stepping up the fight against seasonal crime in the build-up to Christmas.

Officers say they will be targeting shoplifters as well as alcohol and drug offences, drink driving, domestic violence and antisocial behaviour. Drink spiking is also on their hitlist.

Foot and vehicle patrols will be concentrated on peak times and locations across Torbay, Teignbridge and the South Hams.

Chief Superintendent Roy Linden said: “This time of the year attracts lots of visitors, shoppers and families to our area, which is fantastic to see.

"Whilst the towns in South Devon remain a safe place to visit, work and live, we know that opportunist criminals use this busy period to their advantage. To ensure our communities feel safe, it’s important that our officers are visible, approachable and proactive during this season.

“Police officers will be pursuing shoplifters, offences relating to alcohol and drug use including drink driving, domestic violence and antisocial behaviour. A large focus will be on deterring these crimes from happening in the first place as well as arresting offenders who look to cause harm to our community.

“You will see our officers patrolling on foot and in vehicles across peak times and locations. If you ever feel unsafe in a specific area, you see something that doesn’t look quite right, or you want to get to know your local police team – I’d encourage you to speak with an officer. They’re there to help.”