Ten arrests as police prioritise public concerns

Speeding was the top concern of Barnstaple residents who responded to the survey

A targeted police operation to tackle issues of public concern in North Devon resulted in 10 arrests over the last month.

A survey in the Barnstaple area carried out by officers showed the public's top policing priorities were speeding, anti-social behaviour and drug dealing, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

Alongside their normal duties, officers made the extra arrests, including two for drug-driving, three for Class A drug supply and two for retail theft.

Speeding patrols, drugs dogs, knife arches and test purchasing in local shops were all part of the activity.

'Get involved'

Andy Wills, the Sector Inspector for Barnstaple, said officers surveyed local residents online and at public engagement events.

"It's something we're looking to do on an ongoing basis, so I just implore people to get involved in those surveys so we can hear what they've got to say and respond to that," he said.

Sgt Ash Steer, from the Roads Policing Unit, said speeding was the number one concern from the survey, and public feedback was vital.

He said: "People moan about speeding in a certain area on social media and when we come into work and check, we often don't have those reports for an area and, without that, we can't act on it."

Insp Andy Wills said he wanted public involvement to help target resources

The activity in North Devon ran from mid-March to mid-April and also included seven anti-social behaviour incidents and three missing people found, the force said.

It followed an initiative called Operation Loki that ran last spring in areas which had received Safer Streets government funding.

Barnstaple was one of those, along with Exeter, Torquay, Plymouth, Truro and Falmouth.