EVERY two weeks advocates have the opportunity to meet, albeit virtually at present, the inspector and other officers from the local Newton Abbot team.

These fortnightly meetings give us all a chance to discuss areas of concern and to be updated on the trends of reported crimes within the area.

So what’s been happening recently? From the information we have been given it would appear that reported crimes are still below the levels that were seen pre-Covid but in some instances are indeed returning to figures that were expected.

Shoplifting and antisocial behaviour lead the statistics although we recently had a spate of catalytic converters being targeted.

Happily the latter seems to have eased off somewhat in the last three weeks, although whether that means that those responsible have moved away from the area is not yet clear as occasional reported incidents are still being recorded.

Another increase which is of concern for officers, and which indicates a significant change, is violence against the person, sometimes resulting in injuries.

From information received by officers there does not seem to be any particular reason for this sudden increase other than it is linked in the main to alcohol.

Advocates were also advised that as from July 23 a two-week operation was launched with the sole aim of targeting excess speeding within the area.

This operation included not just the Road Safety Policing Team Enforcement Officers but also Speed Watch, which has successfully begun operations within the Newton Abbot area and is proving there is a need for the data collected as some of the recorded excess speeds are alarming.

The continued use of e-scooters within the area is an ongoing situation which is causing concern as they present a danger to the public. As has already been noted in this column, the use of e-scooters on the public highway is illegal and if officers see them being used they will be confiscated.

Other areas which officers have been discussing with advocates is the continued apparent rise in antisocial behaviour which in the main appears to be alcohol-driven.

Graffiti is another as some has started to included references to race, sexuality and anti-semitism, all of which councillors are having reported to them on a regular basis.

Advocates were assured that officers are following up leads which, if successful, would see those responsible being dealt with within the law.

Advocates were also advised that officers have continued with the execution of court orders on behalf of the legal system.

We were reminded that this is some of the unseen work that goes on by officers that doesn’t always get the attention of the public.

When it comes to reporting incidents, advocates were reminded that it is essential that residents and businesses should continue to report concerns and incidences that affect them through the 101 system, although officers appreciate, as do council advocates, the frustration that many feel in trying to access the reporting system especially by telephone.

The data that this report reporting of businesses provides may have an effect on how local resources are considered to be required.

Advocates were reminded though that there are other means of reporting incidences and that can be online at https://services.devon-cornwall.police.uk/crimereporting/ or through the chat system via the webpage of the Devon and Cornwall police.

Officers advised advocates that another increase that is showing signs of concern is distraction burglaries.

Although so far on a small scale it appears to be being used on a more regular basis within the area. Officers asked advocates to get the message out residents to be vigilant at all times, especially when people call at homes unannounced and especially when it concerns those who are considered vulnerable.

It would appear from information received that on many occasions homeowners are being confronted with two people at the door seeking assistance, either to use the facilities, to use a telephone or even on the pretext that their animal has gone into the back garden. Having gained entry, and whilst one occupies the homeowner in conversation or distraction, the other is able to use that distraction to steal items and or cash.

Some of the other notable discussions have been around vandalism, cyclists, drunken behaviour , allotment shed fires and inappropriate motorcycle scrambling.

It is without a doubt that these two-weekly meetings are proving a success, as recently a representative of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner was present to see how this works and the positive effect it is having. Yet another example of where Newton Abbot leads others follow.