Police use drones to watch teenagers partying in Instow and Westward Ho!

Police officers and drones were out on patrol in Westward Ho! and Instow last week to keep an eye on teenagers celebrating the end of exams.

Officers carried out crime prevention tactics and chatted to the youngsters to reassure them and make sure they could celebrate the end of exams without 'incidents' taking place.

Police have been working with schools and other partner agencies to prevent potential offences as the school term comes to an end and youngsters are getting ready for the summer holiday.

Police have supplied key fobs for schools to hand out which, when scanned with a mobile phone, take youngsters to a website with a range of help and advice.

The ‘Insightz’ scheme is aimed at secondary school pupils and is designed to give tips on a range of subjects such as digital safety, wellbeing, as well as drugs and alcohol.

Sergeant Glyn Clark, neighbourhood team leader for Devon & Cornwall Police, said: “Historically at the end of exams we have identified that Year 11 students from local schools will go to unwind at either Westward Ho! beach or Instow dunes. This had resulted in large gatherings of young people and we have previously seen an increase in anti social behaviour, as well as a potential increase in offences such as assaults, drunkenness and littering. This can present problems for several partner agencies, not only the police and can lead to an increased fear of crime for local communities.

“We wanted to support young people during this time, not criminalise them, and make sure they could relax in a safe environment. Police officers from Bideford and Barnstaple patrolled the areas and engaged with youngsters and I’m happy to report that there was not a repeat of previous issues. We also had support from the force’s drone unit which assisted officers on the ground to identify potential areas of concern.”

For more information about ‘Insightz’ please visit: https://youth.devon-cornwall.police.uk/