west hill & aylesbeare Crime Intelligence

The Sidmouth Neighbourhood Team have seen an increased 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.

The team work closely with local schools to support children in need and develop intelligence. A dispersal order under Section 35 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 was recently authorised, in response to reports that a large party was being held in Connaught Gardens. This order granted officers the power to disperse those involved in Anti-Social Behaviour. It appeared that early publication of the order deterred antisocial behaviour or offending, and officers proactively patrolling Connaught Gardens did not need to disperse anyone.

The Neighbourhood Police Team have proactively dealt with some cases of bullying, where criminal offences have been committed by children against other children. The local secondary school have supported officers with this.

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.

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 are aware of a supply network bringing drugs from other parts of the country to the East Devon area. A male believed to be linked to this Network was arrested on 2nd February 2026, following a positive stop-search in Sidmouth. The male was subsequently charged as a result of an investigation led by detectives, with the assistance of response, the neighbourhood team and a dog handler.

The Neighbourhood Police Team have been heavily involved in managing and safeguarding youths involved in drugs supply. This has led to recent positive results involving the Youth Justice System. The Child Centred Policing Team are also making arrangements with partner agencies, with the aim of delivering educational packages to children about the dangers of drug use and supply.

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 recently assisted colleagues in other area with an operation targeting rural burglaries and thefts. High visibility patrols were conducted in rural areas.
Police Community Support Officers have been engaging with local stakeholders in rural locations, listening to concerns and offering relevant crime prevention advice.
The Neighbourhood Police Team have also been conducting enquiries into a series of number plate thefts in Sidmouth. These thefts typically occurred in more rural locations without CCTV or known witnesses. Despite this, a suspect has been identified. Investigations continue.