Police urge people to report coastal crime

Officers said water-based crime included theft, smuggling and criminal damage

Police in south Devon have asked people to report coastal crime amid an increase in visitors over summer.

Devon and Cornwall Police said coastal crime was anything which had an "impact on, or happens around, our coasts and borders".

This includes theft, smuggling and criminal damage, police said.

Ch Insp Miranda Pusey said the region had a "beautiful" coastline but the location presented opportunities for people looking to commit crime.

"A really effective way to take a stand against coastal crime is through education, which is why we’re reaching out to our communities," she said.

"We are also working closely with partners, like the harbourmasters, to make sure we have a robust plan in place to make our waters an uncomfortable place for people who are looking to commit crime, deterring them from both land and sea."

Police said the common signs of criminal activity to look out for were people who avoid answering common boating questions or those who deliberately avoid contact with others.

The force said other signs of criminal behaviour included people who put objects into the water near bridges, pipes or infrastructure.

'Working together'

Ch Insp Pusey said anything that did not "look or feel right" should be reported.

"Your information might help us stop an offence from taking place and prevent people from becoming victims of crime," she said.

"Over summer, we see an increase of holidaymakers visiting our towns, so by working together, we can all play an essential part in keeping everyone safe."