02/08/2026
📢 Update from the Crediton Neighbourhood Policing Team 📢
We are aware of the concerns, complaints and comments being raised about anti-social behaviour around the bus stop on Crediton High Street. We want to reassure local residents and everyone who uses the area that we are listening, we are aware of the concerns and we are taking action.
When we’re not attending incidents and managing operational commitments, we have been carrying out regular foot patrols in Crediton Town, covering the High Street and paying particular attention to the steps and bus stop outside the old Lloyds Bank to engage with those involved in ASB and asking them to move away from the area and socialise elsewhere. On many occasions, those involved have complied with these requests although it is important to understand that at present, these requests are voluntary. We appreciate that people may understandably ask, “Why can’t the police just arrest them?” The reality is that police officers do not have unlimited powers of arrest, any action we take must be lawful, necessary and proportionate to the circumstances. We must work within the powers available to us and ensure that any enforcement action is appropriate and justified. However, we do recognise that some individuals have not complied with our requests and that their behaviour is causing concern and making some members of the community feel uncomfortable or apprehensive when waiting for a bus or simply walking through the area. We understand the impact this can have and we want to reassure you that these concerns are being taken seriously.
We are pleased to say that Devon & Cornwall Police have been working closely with Mid Devon District Council to address the ongoing concerns and we are pleased to confirm that a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has been granted and will shortly come into full effect. The PSPO, introduced under Section 59 Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 will provide an authorised person with additional powers to deal with anti-social behaviour within designated restricted areas. The PSPO will allow an authorised officer to remove any open alcohol containers from individuals if they fail to surrender it when requested and will also allow officers to direct individuals who are causing anti-social nuisance, rowdiness or disorder to leave the area for a specified period of time. Failure to comply with a direction given under the PSPO may result in arrest and we are very much looking forward to this fully being in place when the paperwork has landed on our desks.
We know that this has been a concern for many people in our community and we want to thank those who have taken the time to report incidents and raise their concerns with us. Your information helps us to build a clearer picture of what is happening and work with our partners to find lasting solutions. Please continue to make reports to us via the correct channels of 999, 101 or our website…not social media. Officially recorded data helps us to plan for additional resources and enables us to evidence reports to use in civil orders and utilise specialist/additional officers and staff when required. The restricted areas within the PSPO were selected due to there being existing reports of anti-social behaviour, so we thank you for this.
We will continue to patrol the area, engage with those involved and take appropriate action wherever our powers allow. We hear you, we are listening, and we are working with our partners to make Crediton a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
Please remember, just because you may not see us, it doesn’t mean we aren’t trying our best for our community! Stopping for a chat whilst we’re on foot patrol is what we love to do, so come and have a natter if you see us. Despite some of the nuisance behaviour, Crediton is a lovely town and is a safe place for us all to live and work.
🚓 If you’re interested…
We currently have a number of vacancies in our Mid Devon team and are actively recruiting PCSOs, if you’re interested then please refer to the following website: Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) | Devon & Cornwall Police
Thank you for taking the time to read and we hope to see and hear from you soon
PC Armitage and PC Ravenscroft
