Drugs seized, graffiti suspects caught and new team members
The Latest from Totnes Police
Read the latest from Police Inspector Mark Stevens, neighbourhood police team
Graffiti suspects caught
We recently received reports from the public about a spate of graffiti across the town, which had been appearing on a number of buildings.
Whilst the individuals responsible for this may have seen themselves as an up-and-coming Banksy (although with a very different style!), graffiti is not something we tolerate in Totnes. It is criminal damage. Our officers took to the streets to identify the people responsible. Their proactive work resulted in identifying two suspects under the age of 18 who were carrying spray paint cans.
The two individuals admitted their involvement in the graffiti series. They are now going through the youth justice process to prevent future offending.
Proactive work to tackle drugs
We know that drugs are the number one issue for many people in the community. So in February, we carried out a plain clothes operation to target people dealing drugs.
The operation resulted in three people being arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. A further, much larger quantity of Class B drugs were seized following an address search. The investigation continues, but this was a positive step in disrupting the supply of drugs on our streets.
Our neighbourhood officers have also been working thoroughly to build evidence and intelligence about a man suspected of being involved in the transportation and supply of drugs. The subject was believed used his vehicle to transport drugs on the motorway and into our town.
Working with our roads policing team, the man was stopped in his vehicle where he was found to be in possession of Class A drugs. A further search was then carried out at his home address, where more drugs were found.
The individual was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. This is a significant arrest, and the suspect is now in prison pending a trial.
Work like this will continue throughout the year. We’ll be using a number of unpredictable tactics to have the biggest impact on disrupting crime and improving public safety.
I’d also like to encourage you to come forward – if you know something or have seen something, please report it to us. Your information can help us to build a strong case, secure a warrant or make an arrest. Thank you.
New team member
I’m pleased to welcome a new member to our fantastic neighbourhood policing team! Earlier this month, PC Ciaran Sheehan joined the team in Totnes.
Despite the Canadian accent, Ciaran has worked in Totnes for many years and has strong local connections. We’re pleased to have him on board and all the knowledge and expertise he brings with him. We’re looking forward to driving more positive change across the town.
On another note, I am sadly moving onto pastures new after March. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working as Inspector in Totnes – it’s been fantastic to meet so many lovely within the community. I will be handing the reigns back to Inspector Ben Shardlow, who will be returning to the neighbourhood team, following his secondment to support on a project within the Force.
Online contact for police: https://www.police.uk/pu/contact-us/