Barnstaple Police address community concerns

Barnstaple police have intensified their efforts to address community concerns through Operation Loki, responding directly to public feedback. 

Over the course of four weeks, the operation targeted issues such as speeding drivers, anti-social behaviour, drug-related activities, and other offences, resulting in additional arrests and various interventions.

Led by Barnstaple Sector Inspector Andy Wills, the operation saw collaboration among local police teams, Roads Policing, Trading Standards, North Devon Council, and other units. Officers employed a range of strategies, including high-visibility foot patrols, drugs warrants, test purchase operations, and school visits aimed at educating students on topics like drug awareness and knife crime.

Inspector Wills emphasised the significance of community engagement in policing, stating: “This operation was all about asking the public what they want and trying to deliver it to them as much as possible.” 

The initiative stemmed from a recent public survey, which identified speeding drivers as the primary concern, followed by issues like anti-social behaviour, drugs, and nuisances such as bad parking and dog fouling.

Acknowledging that some concerns fell beyond police remit, Inspector Wills highlighted collaboration with partner agencies, such as street marshals funded by North Devon Council and the town's CCTV system. 

These partnerships aim to enhance public safety and aid in investigations.

The results of Operation Loki have been promising, with reported incidents of anti-social behaviour decreasing by 23 percent across the Barnstaple police sector since 2021. 

Notably, Barnstaple town centre witnessed a 38 percent reduction in such incidents.

Inspector Wills underlined the ongoing commitment to addressing community concerns, stating: “We will not rest on our laurels and will make sure that we continue to address anti-social behaviour and associated nuisance offences or violence.”

In addition to routine policing tasks, Operation Loki yielded approximately ten extra arrests, including individuals wanted for court appearances and retail theft. Various activities were conducted, such as stop and searches, deployment of knife arches, and interventions targeting anti-social behaviour.

Notably, a closure order was secured for a residential property in Roundswell, addressing persistent issues identified by the community.

Inspector Wills hailed the court's decision as a positive outcome for local residents and explained the continued support for longer-term management of such cases.

For those seeking to engage with local officers or report issues, opportunities include face-to-face visits to Barnstaple police station or subscribing to Devon and Cornwall Alert for updates and crime prevention advice.

The next opportunity to meet local officers is on Tuesday 23 April 2024 from 2-4pm at Sainsbury’s in Gratton Way, Roundswell (subject to operational demands).

Members of the public can speak to someone face to face or report an issue by visiting Barnstaple police station public enquiry office.

The office is open Monday to Saturday between 9.30am and 4pm. 

The office is closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays. 

The station is located at Seven Brethren, EX31 2AS.