Plain clothes operation leads to arrests and drug seizures, Torquay

A proactive plain clothes police operation in Torquay has seen a number of people arrested, community resolutions handed out and drugs taken off the streets.

A proactive plain clothes police operation in Torquay has seen a number of people arrested, community resolutions handed out and drugs taken off the streets.

Devon & Cornwall Police set up the operation to target drug dealing and antisocial behaviour (ASB) in Torquay town centre. Officers in civilian clothes and unmarked cars patrolled the town using a variety of tactics to identify individuals suspected of committing offences in the area.

Hundreds of pounds worth of drugs were seized, including spice and class A drug heroin. Information was also passed to police officers from the public about suspected drug dealing and supply – all reports are being investigated. In addition, community resolutions were issued to a number of individuals who admitted to offences, requiring them to complete actions such as engagement with drug rehabilitation services.

Following the undercover operation, five individuals were arrested for offences including suspected drug dealing and violence. Using the powers of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), three people were dispersed from the area for causing a nuisance to the community and likely to engage in antisocial behaviour. They were ordered to disperse from the town and not return for 24 hours.

Inspector Ben Shardlow, who heads up the neighbourhood policing team in Torquay town centre said: “These immediate results are a step in the right direction. The more unsettling and unstable we are able to make it for criminals to operate in Torquay, the better.

“We will continue to run these plain clothes operations in an unpredictable manner. We want it to be a hostile place for those who look to cause harm in our communities and continue to make it a safer place for residents and visitors.”

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.

Police teams in Torquay regularly post updates about the work they are doing to protect local communities, connect with the public and reduce crime within the area on their Facebook and Instagram pages. Follow them on social media @TorquayPolice.

Alternatively, you can sign up to Devon & Cornwall Alert  to stay up to date with the latest information directly from police teams in your area.