Crime in West Hill & Aylesbeare, East Devon

The Sidmouth Neighbourhood Team have seen an increase in anti-social behaviour and crime from a small group of youths within the community. Officers are working with the Child Centred Policing Team to ensure robust action is taken against offenders, whilst flagging any safeguarding concerns with the relevant agencies.

Two children involved in prolific antisocial behaviour have been issued with anti-social behaviour warning letters, and escalated through ASB processes. Since warnings were issued and parents spoken to, no further ASB has been reported to police.

Officers are working closely with East Devon District Council, Youth Justice services, social services, schools and housing associations to take a multi-agency approach to tackling ASB. Officers have been managing several neighbour disputes, ensuring reasonable and proportionate action is taken in response to ASB between neighbours and looking at productive ways to problem-solve.

The Neighbourhood Police Team have been busy conducting proactive foot-patrols in Sidmouth. We have been lucky enough to speak with lots of lovely residents, business owners, visitors and our local member of parliament whilst patrolling. We also provided a high-visibility presence at Sidmouth Sea Festival, acting in both proactive and responsive capacities.

We will continue to work with our key partner agencies to reduce anti-social behaviour within the community. We strongly urge anyone to report ongoing anti-social behaviour directly to us so we can manage it robustly.

The Neighbourhood Police Team have conducted multiple positive stop-searches between late April and late May 2026. Cocaine and cannabis have been seized from drug users, with two positive out-of-court interventions achieved in these instances. Additionally, a male found with drugs and a burner phone was identified from a proactive stop-search and an investigation into his drugs supply operation continues.

We are continuing to develop our intelligence picture to identify key offenders involved in the possession and supply of illegal drugs throughout our community. We also continue to develop intelligence around weapons which often go hand-in-hand with drugs supply. Blades and a stun gun have been seized from two individuals in Sidmouth, leading to positive detection outcomes in both instances.

Sidmouth College, working alongside police and other partner agencies, have issued a survey to children aged between 12 and 15, to get their opinions on drug and knife crime in the community. Using data gathered, we will be delivering educational packages to children about the dangers of drug use, supply weapons and exploitation.

If you suspect illegal activity in your area please report it via 101 online or by phone. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Sidmouth Neighbourhood Police Team have been investigating a series of number plate thefts in an around Sidmouth. A female who fraudulently used a stolen number plate on her car has been interviewed by police and reported for theft, handling stolen goods and fraudulent use of a number plate. We will be seeking to progress the case to formal prosecution.

In rural Sidford, the Neighbourhood Police Team responded to reports of a male, thought to have been illegally using an air rifle to shoot at birds. It was ascertained that no animals had been harmed. The male was suitably educated about the law with regards to air rifles and wildlife crime. The matter is currently being resolved informally out of court and focussed on education.

The Neighbourhood Police Team will be at the Donkey Sanctuary on 13th June 2026 between 10:00 and 12:00. Please come and say hello to us there!