Cocaine, heroin and spice seized and 10 arrests made following proactive police action

Devon & Cornwall Police in Torquay took to the streets in plain clothes and hi-vis uniform to tackle drugs and antisocial behaviour (ASB) during a week of intensified police action.

Devon & Cornwall Police in Torquay took to the streets in plain clothes and hi-vis uniform to tackle drugs and antisocial behaviour (ASB) during a week of intensified police action.

Chief Inspector Miranda Pusey, who heads up neighbourhood policing in South Devon, said: “This wasn’t a one-off week of action. This was an opportunity for us to successfully use a number of different tactics and specialist teams to tackle crime in an unpredictable way during a short, intensified period of time.”

Proactive work included the deployment of passive drug dog ‘Ken’ who was tasked with sniffing out people carrying drugs in the town, warrants carried out at addresses suspected of containing drugs, road stop-check points to target vehicles containing drugs and plain clothes patrols to identify suspected drug dealing and ASB offences.

High visibility patrols were also carried out, with an active focus on identifying people offending or individuals wanted for arrest.

26 stop searches resulted in the seizure of class A, B and C drugs, including Spice, Heroin and Cocaine. 10 arrests were made for a number of offences including shoplifting. One man was also sent to prison for a minimum term of three-years for being in possession of class A drugs with intent to supply. 

10 people were dispersed under the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) during the week. An arrest was made for a breach of the order. The PSPO is in place to disperse individuals from the town centre for up to 24 hours if they are found to be causing nuisance or disorder in the town.

Chief Inspector Pusey commented on how the operation was a success for the team: “I am pleased we were able to have such a disruptive impact on criminals operating in Torquay within a short period of time.

“I know how important it is for our communities to see the proactive work we do and the outcomes we achieve as a result of this. I hope this demonstrates our ongoing commitment to be visible on your streets, respond to your concerns and pursue individuals causing harm in our communities.

“Criminals use different tactics to try and evade our officers, but we’re always adapting and bringing in new ways to pursue them. We will continue this work throughout the year, using unpredictable tactics. We want Torquay to remain a hostile place for offenders to operate and a safe place for everyone to live, work and visit.”

Useful information was also shared by members of the public about crime, including details of suspected drug dealing hotspots and individuals who may be dealing drugs. All information will be investigated.

The week of intensified action began on Monday 20 January, wrapping up on Sunday 26 January. These proactive operations will continue throughout the year.

Reports from members of the public provide police with invaluable information about where and when crimes are taking place. Please continue to report any intelligence, no matter how small, on the Devon & Cornwall Police website or by calling 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via their website.