Police crackdown in Torquay leads to 33 arrests

Drugs, alcohol and anti-social behaviour targeted

A police crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Torquay has resulted in 33 arrests in the first 11 days.

Rsidents and businesses are said to be increasingly concerned about the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in the town centre. Now extra police patrols are focussing on Factory Row, Castle Circus, Fleet Walk and Melville Street.

Torquay was the first area in Devon and Cornwall to begin what they call Operation Loki on 13 March, with Exeter, Barnstaple, Plymouth and Penzance following later in March, April and May.

People have been arrested for drugs and shoplifting offenses, with six of them connected to moped thefts. Other arrests range from driving offenses and theft to prison recall and warrant breaches.

As part of the operation, officers have visited over 100 retail premises to speak to owners as well as conducting licensing checks.

A police van has been stationed each day in different areas of the town centre, with officers listening to the views of local people to better understand their concerns and give advice.

Acting chief superintendent Ed Wright, South Devon commander, said: “It has been great to see the positive reaction of businesses and the public to Operation Loki so far. The additional patrols have produced some excellent results, in particular catching moped thieves and shoplifters in the act, something we know residents have been concerned about for some time.

“Operation Loki is about listening to the residents about their concerns and making sure we are tackling the issues that mean the most to them going forward.”

Operation Loki will be continuing for another two weeks in Torquay, including a pop-up police station in the town centre scheduled for use in April.