Ivybridge and Rural Police

16/06/2026

Officers in South Devon are joining forces with the hospitality trade this summer to raise awareness of child exploitation. Operation Makesafe is an important campaign which aims to work with venues such as hotels, B&Bs and local campsites. As thousands of people flock to Devon and Cornwall over the holiday season officers are educating hospitality staff about signs to look out for which could mean a young person is in danger or vulnerable.
For the full press release and to check the signs to spot please visit our website https://orlo.uk/v8vkM

13/06/2026

Enjoying the summer sun? Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Report anything that doesn’t feel right to security or report online in confidence at https://orlo.uk/DMUn7

In an emergency call 999.

Remember, action counters terrorism.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts—report it to Counter Terrorism Policing. Share concerns in confidence and help keep the public safe.

06/06/2026

Enjoying the summer sun? Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Report anything that doesn’t feel right to security or report online in confidence at https://orlo.uk/7LNEZ

In an emergency call 999.

Remember, action counters terrorism.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts—report it to Counter Terrorism Policing. Share concerns in confidence and help keep the public safe.

28/05/2026

E-Bikes / E- Scooters

We touched on the subject in our previous post and have attached the below leaflet to read.

It has come to our attention reckless riding of e-bikes and e-scooters within Ivybridge and further reports at Sherford.

To note :- "These powered transporters fall within the legal definition of a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act (1988) and therefore are covered by the same laws that apply to motor vehicles".

Police can seize these vehicles under S165A of the Road Traffic Act, the rider may also be liable to prosecution via a fine.

These vehicles are not a toy and not cheap to buy so if you are thinking about it for yourself or your children be sure to know the rules and what is required.

Fact - Between 2019 and early 2026, there have been over 60 e-scooter related fatalities in the UK.

If anyone wants to report someone they may be aware of you can inform us by emailing [email protected] or call 101. All information will be treated anonymously.

27/05/2026

Let’s have a little chat about some current issues we are seeing.

The ASB (anti social behaviour) continues to be a problem in and around the town, particularly the Watermark in the evenings.

We were all young once so yes we had fun with our mates but this does appear to be on another level at the moment.

There was a large group outside the Watermark last night (26th) If you know your kids were out last night have a word about respect. We will be viewing cctv to see if any offences.
Respect is earned, come on folks stop the drinking, shouting, swearing, littering (bins within arms reach) there are residential homes nearby who have a right to enjoy their own homes.

Where were we you may ask, our nearest units were in Newton Abbot and Okehampton due to emergencies which will always take priority.

Second issue e-bikes and e scooters illegal unless correctly documented or ridden on private land. We know you know because you wear balaclavas. Parents come on take responsibility look at the rules around these because we know the youngsters are not buying them.

Long timber woods, groups enjoying the river fabulous we love this. However again be respectful and take your litter home.

Theft of alcohol from our local stores. We have spoken to most and Buzz balls have been moved, these were easily going into pockets, the alcohol content 14%. Alcohol and heat do not mix well. On two occasions now ambulance have been called to young persons who have been unconscious through alcohol.

Enjoy the weather and of course have fun but understand where fun turns into something else.

24/05/2026

Early check on the Moors today.
Please remember to adhere to the by laws picnics are great and we love seeing everyone soaking up our beautiful Moorland.
Remember no camping, take your litter home, No BBQs, be careful around the ponies as beautiful as they are they will take a bite and be aware of all the young livestock, keep your dogs under control.
If you are up at Cadover listen out for the cuckoo.
If you happen to see a large amount of vehicles turning up and suspect a possible Rave please call us.
Have a great Bank holiday, be safe and use sunscreen. 😊

23/05/2026

👮🏼 Dawlish Warren Beach – Police Engagement Update

During the evening of Friday 22 May, following information and intelligence received, officers from our Neighbourhood Teams across South Devon attended Dawlish Warren Beach in response to reports of a large number of young people gathering in the area, some of which had travelled to Dawlish from all over the South Devon area.

Our approach was focused on engagement and education. We recognise that young people want to socialise and enjoy themselves; however, it is important this is done in a safe and responsible manner.

Officers engaged positively with those present, resulting in constructive interactions. While the majority of people were cooperative and respectful, a large number of alcohol seizures were made.

Our primary concern was the safety of the public, particularly given the number of young people present, with many being under the influence of alcohol, on a beach with the tide coming in. Our clear aim was to safeguard those present and ensure everyone was able to leave the area safely.

We would like to thank those who engaged with officers and understood the reasons for our presence and actions.

It is disappointing that officers were also required to assist in clearing litter from the beach afterwards, and we would urge everyone to take responsibility for the environment.

We are aware of further planned gatherings across South Devon. We will continue to take a proactive approach, working to engage and educate. We also ask parents and guardians to consider the risks associated with large, unsupervised public gatherings when making decisions about their children attending such events.

22/05/2026

LATEST | Information has been received that planned gatherings involving young people have been arranged in locations across South Devon today, 22 May.

While the majority are good natured and will no doubt want to make the best of the good bank holiday weather, there have been recent incidents involving large groups of young people which have led to antisocial behaviour and community disruption.

In response to those events and today’s information, officers will be carrying out increased high-visibility patrols in known areas and will utilise such powers as Section 35 dispersal orders if considered appropriate.

These orders give officers enhanced powers to prevent antisocial behaviour, reduce disruption and keep the public safe.

What this means:
• Officers can direct individuals or groups to leave the area immediately.
• Those directed must not return within the specified time period.
• Failure to comply is a criminal offence and may result in arrest.
• Anyone under the age of 16 may be taken home or to a place of safety.

Robust action will be taken where necessary.

We thank the community for their continued support and encourage anyone with concerns to contact us via the Force website: https://orlo.uk/fUF8X or by telephone on 101, quoting log 418 of 22 May.

22/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17NzJQr65Z/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Don’t choose the wrong path, it will only bring heartbreak.
We have a knife drop bin at Ivybridge station in our public office.
Opening times
10-3pm Mon - Sunday
No questions asked!!

Mhttps://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRnjQucq/

16/05/2026

Thank you

A quick thank you to some of our partner agencies… Often the great work of our excellent partner agencies goes un-noticed and unrecognised, and even taken for granted. We as the Police become involved in and coordinate a lot of searches, in particular for missing persons. This requires a huge number of resources across a lot of different agencies, including Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue, Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), HM Coastguard, RNLI and Mountain Rescue to name a few.

We are also often supported by the fabulous Rapid Relief Team who come out whenever they can when a search is protracted. They support us all by providing much needed sustenance and welfare provisions. They are a voluntary service who also support many other teams at various events and incidents, as well as families and individuals who are facing hardship . These volunteers, such as the RRT and the numerous Search & Rescue agencies we work with provide specialist insight, equipment, personnel and backing that make these searches, investigations and casualty recoveries possible.

So I just wanted to take a moment and say thank you to all those who volunteer in all its forms, you may not hear it enough, but your support is invaluable.