Vehicles seized and arrest made following stop checks in Torquay

Devon & Cornwall Police in Torquay recently conducted a high-visibility operation to tackle vehicle crime in the town, resulting in an arrest, a quantity of drugs located and numerous vehicles seized.

Police officers were deployed to a number of strategic locations across Torquay to set up vehicle check points in collaboration with Project Servator. These check points are designed to help keep the community safe and disrupt a range of criminal activity in the area.

During the operation, six vehicles were searched which resulted in a quantity of class B drugs located. The drivers found with the illegal substances were dealt with accordingly, including an arrest following a positive result on a drugs test. Three vehicles were also seized for having no insurance and/or valid driving license.

Police Sergeant Matt Gill, who heads up the Neighbourhood Support Team, said: “This was a positive result, both for our officers and the community. Working with our colleagues from Project Servator, we were able to identify a number of unsafe drivers and enforce suitable consequences. Being out on the streets also meant our officers had worthwhile engagement with the public, reinforcing the message that we want to be visible in our community, we are proactively tackling crime and that our officers are accessible to the public when they need help.

“As a message to the people of Torquay, you have an important role to play in helping to keep our streets safe by reporting anything that doesn't feel right. Trust your instinct and report it to the police or to the independent charity Crimestoppers if you’d like to report anonymously. We'll do the rest.”

Inspector Chris Lithgow, who oversees neighbourhood police teams in Torquay, said: “I hope this shows the communities of Torquay that police are taking proactive action to deter crime and identify offenders. On this occasion, the operation was about targeting criminals that use our road network. I also understand that speeding is an issue and work will continue to happen to tackle this. Whether on foot or in a vehicle, we’ll be using a number of tactics and operations to target criminals.” 

This operation was led by a Project Servator police officers in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Support Team. They work across Devon and Cornwall, aiming to disrupt a range of criminal activity, while providing a reassuring presence for the public. They are specially trained in spotting the tell-tale signs that someone is planning or preparing to commit an act of crime.

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. For updates from Project Servator, follow @DCPProjectServator.

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.

If you have any information about illegal activity happening in your local area, please report it to Devon & Cornwall Police. To do this, please visit our website or call 101. In an emergency call 999.

Information can also be passed 100% anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via their website.