Plymouth University Policing Team

01/08/2026

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/WYhyX

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.

26/07/2026

🛴 Plymouth: Know the difference

Rental e-scooters will soon be popping up around the city, but there's an important difference between rental and privately owned e-scooters.

✅ LEGAL TO RIDE 👍
Rental e-scooters operating as part of Plymouth's Government-approved trial.
• You need to be 18 or over and have a full or provisional licence.
• The rental company provides third party insurance and safety checks.
• They can be ridden on public roads including cycle lanes.
• In all cases we recommend wearing a helmet.

❌ NOT LEGAL IN PUBLIC 👎
Privately owned e-scooters.
• Can not be ridden on roads, pavements, cycle lanes, parks or any public land.
• They can only be ridden legally on private land with the landowner's permission (wear a helmet).
• Uninsured.
• No scheduled safety checks

Check the law before buying an e-scooter , don't be caught out 👉 https://orlo.uk/E-scooters_and_E-bikes_The_Law_oIwfL

25/07/2026

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/JmRnh

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.

23/07/2026

Operation RideSafe is the police response in Plymouth to increasing public concerns around anti-social behaviour, crime and road safety linked to privately owned e-scooters, modified e-bikes and e-motorbikes. It will use tactics such as plain clothes operations, drones and CCTV, alongside education in schools. Illegal use will result in confiscation (see recent photo) and prosecution for offences. Full story 👉 https://orlo.uk/Plymouth_police_tackle_illegal_e-scooter__e-bike_and_e-motorcycle_riders_rdl6X

Inspector Tim Hinde said: “It is currently illegal for owners of privately purchased e-scooters and e-motorcycles and modified e-bikes to ride them anywhere on public land. It should go without saying that this includes pavements and busy roads which is dangerous for the rider, pedestrians and other road users.”

Current legislation is clearly laid out in government guidance, but in short you cannot ride a privately owned e-scooter or e-motorcycle or modified e-bike anywhere other than on private land with the landowner’s permission.
The rules on e-scooters 👉 https://orlo.uk/Riding_an_electric_scooter__the_rules_BxJhB
The rules on e-bikes 👉 https://orlo.uk/7I6nE

Since 2020 the government has licensed local authorities to run trials of rental e-scooters. It's important that people understand the safety differences between renting an e-scooter and riding a privately owned one (not least having a full or provisional license and insurance as these are powered light vehicles). This video by Vision Zero South West makes this clear 👉 https://orlo.uk/E-Scooters___Electric_Bikes_CrVdl

You can report anti-social behaviour on 101 or online here https://orlo.uk/Reports_anti_social_behaviour_Jiof9

18/07/2026

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/RfjpO

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.

12/07/2026

The morning after - None for the road

If you drank alcohol last night, you may still be incapacitated by it this morning and well into today. Even small amounts of alcohol affect your ability to drive: it slows reaction times and affects your vision and concentration.

It's impossible to get alcohol out of your system quickly, it always takes time. A shower, a cup of coffee or other ways of ‘sobering up’ may make you feel better but won’t remove the alcohol from your system.

Think very carefully about driving the day after drinking. If you are in any doubt about your ability to drive safely, leave the car at home - don't risk your life or the lives of others on the road.

If you suspect someone is going to drive while still under the influence of alcohol or drugs, call 999. You could save a life.

More about driving under the influence of drink in comments 👇

11/07/2026

🏐 Big game, big emotions

But if you're out and about watching England v Norway this evening - pub, club, fanzone, anywhere there's alcohol and high emotions - it only takes one comment for things to turn.

If your mate is staring, shouting or squaring up, don’t ignore it.
Step in. Check them. Walk them away.

No match is worth it.
Look out for your mates. Have a word with yourself if you need to.

Know when it’s time to walk away.
👉https://orlo.uk/Walk_Away_qroqY

11/07/2026

Everyone's coming home – None for the road

Driving while incapacitated through alcohol is one of the top five causes or contributary factors to deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

✖️ 🍺Avoid alcohol altogether if you plan to drive to and from a pub or other licensed venue to watch England v Norway this evening. Make alternative transport plans if you are planning on drinking. Remember: none for the road.

Even small amounts of alcohol affect your ability to drive: it slows reaction times and affects your vision and concentration. You’re more likely to take risks. There’s no reliable way to drink and stay within the limit –you cannot work out a safe level by counting units. Be aware that you may still be affected by alcohol the next day - if in any doubt, don't drive

📱 If you suspect someone is going to immediately drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, call 999. You could save a life.

More about driving under the influence of drink or drugs in comments 👇

11/07/2026

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/JABQJ

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.

09/07/2026

Parents | Make your children understand

Tombstoning, the act of jumping from height into water often where diving is prohibited for safety reasons, is not only anti-social, but also extremely dangerous.

20 deaths and 70 serious injuries – some of which were life changing - have been recorded* since 2004.

Inspector Mat Helm spoke today (9 July 2026) from his real experience of groups of children taking part in this reckless activity in Exmouth: “At some point this is going to lead to a funeral from drowning, impact, propeller encounter or underwater obstruction. I have seen more than my fair share of dead kids. It’s not nice. Don't let that be your family. Take some responsibility for your kids.”

We are asking all parents to know where their children are this summer. We are asking them to talk to them about the dangers of tombstoning and why they should not do it.

The main dangers are:

• Hazards hidden under the water – such as boat propellors, rock, debris
• Water being too shallow so that jumpers impact the bottom, risking severe neck or spine injury
• Cold water shock – this can incapacitate and result in drowning

Tombstoning is not worth the risk for children or adults. It’s even more risky if alcohol is involved.

More about tombstoning 👉 https://orlo.uk/96zti

[*UK Coastguard]