Operation to tackle anti-social behaviour in North Devon

Operation Masque has started

Police in North Devon are stepping up patrols in Bideford and Westward Ho to tackle anti- social behaviour. 

Following the reported success of Operation Loki in the Exeter and South Devon,high visibility patrols will take place across the town involving local police officers and Police Community Support Officers. There will also be support from central Devon & Cornwall Police units.

As part of the initiative a pop-up police station was up in the main Westward Ho! car park on Golf Links Road to allow increased engagement with local communities. The local neighbourhood police team will be available between 10am-4pm to discuss with local people any concerns they may have around anti-social behaviour.

The team will be on hand to offer crime prevention advice, answer policing related questions and sign people up to the Devon and Cornwall Alert two-way community messaging service. Children can collect some free stickers and have a look around the police van, as well as try on some police uniform.

This is an opportunity for the public to meet the police team that looks after their area and discuss what matters to them most. The police team are keen to hear ideas about how communities can come together to help solve local issues and make a positive difference.

Sergeant Glyn Clark, Neighbourhood Team Leader for the local police sector, said: “Operation Masque is designed to engage with local youngsters, as well as the local community who live and work in the Bideford and Westward Ho! areas.

“We have received several reports of anti-social behaviour, and many involve teenagers aged between 13-17 who are causing a nuisance with public drinking, swearing and shoplifting. This behaviour can be intimidating and annoying for local people and we want to disperse them from the area. Alcohol will be seized during the operation.

“We realise that some youngsters are at a loose end during school holidays and the good weather means they have been hanging around and causing problems for others. We want to deter them from crime and general anti-social behaviour.