police

Police are trying to trace Chanelle Ford, a 23-year-old woman from Crowborough, who has been reported missing after not having spoken to her family since Wednesday 3 June.

This has been described as out-of-character and officers are keen to ensure that Chanelle, also known as Nell, is safe and well.

It is believed that she has travelled to Devon and Cornwall, and is with a friend. She may be driving a white and pink Citroen DS3 car, registration number GL14 YAA.

Chanelle is 5'6", slim, with long, straight, blonde hair and brown eyes. It is not known what clothes she...

Five people have been arrested following warrants executed in West London and Exeter.

On Tuesday 9 June, officers from Devon and Cornwall Police, assisted by officers from the Metropolitan Police, executed a number of warrants in relation to an ongoing investigation into organised crime groups from London using the vulnerable to sell Class-A drugs on the streets of Exeter.

Five people in total have been arrested on conspiracy to supply class-A drugs; three people from West London aged 18, 21 and 25.

A 37-year old woman and a 33-year old man both from Exeter have...

Police in Devon and Cornwall have welcomed a new report from the National Police Chief’s Council showing a nationwide reduction in the use of police custody cells as a place of safety for those suffering mental illness.

Historically, police cells have been used to house those people detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983. The Government announced earlier this year that it would seek legislation to prohibit the use of police cells as a place of safety for under-18s and reduce the 72 maximum detention period for adults.

Nationally, there has been a 32 per...

Police in Okehampton have arrested two men following the execution of a drugs warrant.

Following community intelligence and concerns officers executed a warrant obtained under the Misuse of Drugs Act at a property in Fore Street, Okehampton during the afternoon of Thursday 4 June.

Following a search of the premises approximately fifty bags of suspected herbal cannabis were seized.

Two men aged 23 and 22 years were arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class B controlled drug with the intent to supply.

Following interview both men were released on police...

Colleagues past and present gathered to bid farewell to a respected colleague, Jeff Mead, on Wednessday 3 June who has retired after serving 46 years with Devon & Cornwall Police as both an officer and police staff member.

Jeff joined the Force in May 1969 as a Police Constable, and served in Torquay, Bideford, Exeter Traffic, HQ PNC, and Newton Abbot CID.

He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1984 serving in both the Exeter and HQ Communications Departments, Heavitree Road and Exmouth police stations, before retiring in 1999.

Three days later he returned...

Detectives are appealing to the public for information after a woman was robbed on the street in Newton Abbot.

The woman was approached at the bus stop outside the railway station by two men who asked her for a light for a cigarette.

She was then kicked by one of the men and fell to the floor where the second man grabbed her handbag.

The woman was further assaulted during the struggle before the offenders grabbed her purse from the bag and made off. The purse contained around £100.

The woman, in her 40s and from Torquay, sustained bruising to her chest and...

Devon & Cornwall Police is warning drivers to be careful this summer, as it launches its annual drink and drug driving campaign.

Despite long term reductions, drink driving still accounts for 15% of road deaths and almost 10,000 casualities annually.

Throughout the month-long operation, police will be emphasising these messages with motorists across the Force, and drivers can expect to be tested if they are involved in a collision or if stopped for an offence. Routine stop checks will also result in drivers being tested.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of...

Officers are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of a missing Weymouth woman and are asking for the public’s help in finding her.

Anita Hansford, 55, was last seen at 8.30am on Saturday 30 May 2015 at her home in the Sutton Poyntz area of the town.

It is believed that Anita (pictured) was in the Weymouth or Dorchester area at around 11am on Saturday morning and may have travelled to Exeter arriving by 6.30pm. Her whereabouts at this time are unknown.

Anita is described as white, five feet six inches tall, of medium build with shoulder-length hair dyed...

Devon and Cornwall Police are continuing to change the way non-payment of fuel incidents are dealt with, to ensure the best service possible can be given to the public with the existing resources.

Across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in 2015 the Force received around 1,600 reports where a customer had left without paying for fuel from a garage forecourt. These are not offences of fraud or theft, where there are indications of intent such the use of false number plates. In many cases they are a mistake on the part of the individual who when advised of their mistake returns...

Police in Newton Abbot are appealing for information following a theft in Ipplepen.

The incident occurred at around 2.05pm on Sunday 10th May at Hollyhocks Florists located at the Fermoy’s Garden Centre, on the A381 Totnes Road in Ipplepen.

Whilst the counter was unattended by staff the offender walked behind it and stole a handbag containing a quantity of cash.

Police have issued a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the incident.

He is described as being aged, in his 50’s approximately 6’2” in height, and medium in build.

...