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Addressing persistent and repeat crime, ASB across North Devon remains our local Neighbourhood policing priority. This aspect featured highly amongst recent surveys and through our interactions with community members and parish and district councils colleagues. The local policing teams across North Devon work in partnership with NDDC colleagues and other local partners to identify and tackle ASB issues, therefore it is imperative for local residents and communities to report matters that are having a detrimental impact locally. These can either be reported directly to D&C Police online or to North Devon District Council.
Be respectful, stay safe....
Halloween and Guy Fawkes or bonfire night fall within the space of less than a week. Devon & Cornwall Police has some advice to avoid any behaviour that others may find antisocial during that time.
Neighbourhood Policing Lead Inspector Steve Philp said: "At Halloween, when trick or treaters are out and about, some people may become worried or even frightened if strangers are continually calling at their door during the evening.
“Anti-social behaviour is defined as conduct that is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any person and while we appreciate that at Halloween this may be inadvertent, please respect those who don’t want to take part in trick or treating.
"Stick to areas and people you know. People who welcome trick or treaters often put a pumpkin outside their house or in their window as a sign, or you can download a poster welcoming trick or treaters from our website.”
“If you’d rather not have people knocking on your door, you can also download a ‘Sorry… no trick or treat this Halloween’ poster”.
The posters can be downloaded from the Devon & Cornwall Police website here: Halloween | Devon & Cornwall Police
Neighbourhood policing teams have some new ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ stickers for children, one of which features Bravo, Devon & Cornwall Police’s mascot, wearing his high vis jacket!
Inspector Philp continued: “Used irresponsibly, fireworks can cause damage to property and do significant harm to people and animals. This is why members of the public may only use fireworks on private property such as back gardens and only licensed professionals can use them in public places.
“If anyone is setting off fireworks in places other than this, it’s possible they’re unaware that they are breaking the law. If it’s children and you know their parents, perhaps ask them to intervene. If you’re having an ongoing problem with people setting off fireworks dangerously or recklessly, please report it to us.”
“It’s an offence to throw or set off any firework, including sparklers, in or into any highway, street, thoroughfare or public space.”
“Please keep these things in mind, be respectful of others, stay safe and have an enjoyable time during this week of winter celebrations.”
The fire and rescue services of Devon and Cornwall have published all you need to know about fireworks safety.
Devon: https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/safety/home/fireworks
You can find the laws applying to purchase and use of fireworks on the Devon & Cornwall Police website, where you will also find a link to report anti-social behaviour https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/asb/asb/antisocial-behaviour/fireworks/
Tackling antisocial behaviour can be a complex issue, and one which requires input and action from more than just the police. The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 aims to put victims first, giving power to local people and enabling professionals to find the best solutions for their local area. The act provides the police, local authorities and other local agencies with flexible tools and powers that they can use to respond quickly and effectively to antisocial behaviour. These include: - civil injunctions.
- criminal behaviour orders.
- public spaces protection orders.
- community protection notices.
- dispersal powers.
- closure powers.
The act also includes measures such as the Community Remedy and antisocial behaviour case reviews which empower victims and communities to have a say in the outcome of their reports and hold agencies to account. If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. Get Involved Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
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