Police issue warning to Newton Abbot parents

Two 16-year-olds have been arrested after violence in the town

Police have asked parents in Newton Abbot to ‘know where their children are’

It comes after reports of youth violence and anti-social behaviour in the town this week.

Two 16-year-olds have since been arrested, while officers say they will ‘continue to deal with young people causing problems’.

Following reports of youth violence and ASB in the town earlier this week we have visited a number of parents. We have also arrested two 16 year olds. We will continue to deal with young people causing problems but please help us by knowing where your children are.

— Newton Abbot Police (@NewtonAbbotPol) February 21, 2020

In 2018, a gang of up to 30 troublesome youths were operating across the town, with frequent outbreaks of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

Their favourite haunts were around the Asda superstore, Victoria Gardens, and the Market Walk shopping centre, they were well organised and structured and police believed that were adults higher up the line supplying drugs to them to deal.

But hard-hitting powers to crackdown on the gang making life hell for people in Newton Abbot were imposed last year.

In September 2018, Devon and Cornwall Police issued adult and youth civil gang injunctions against 11 individuals as part of Operation Turf.