News, views and Events in and around Bigbury, South Devon

Posts tagged police

A Message from Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer – Come Back Safely and Respect Our Communities

July 3, 2020 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

We must continue to follow Government advice

Devon & Cornwall Police is preparing for an influx of visitors this weekend as lockdown restrictions ease and the hospitality industry reopens.

But the message to those living and coming to our region is clear – come back safely and respect our communities.

Throughout the last week there has been reports of a surge in bookings across hotels, bed and breakfasts and campsites, combined with the re-opening of the day and night time economy on Saturday, July 4.

Devon & Cornwall Police has been anticipating the demand and planning extensively with partners throughout the lockdown period for the re-opening of our region.

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer, “I know that our world class tourism and hospitality industry has been decimated by the COVID pandemic and there is a desperate need to welcome tourists back to our peninsula and islands.

“But this needs to be done safely and appreciating the fears our resident communities may have with many thousands of people coming back to our region – with the health concerns this may bring.

“We follow Government advice and guidance as to what is safe, but we would ask all people – whether you are a visitor, resident or business – to be respectful and begin to enjoy parts of life none of us has experienced since the end of March.”

Demand on police and other emergency services is expected to see a considerable increase from this weekend and for the rest of the summer season – likely to stretch well into September.

Devon and Cornwall sees the second highest tourism surge in population, behind London, during the summer months with demand on policing up by 20 per cent in terms of emergency and non-emergency calls.

Officers, staff and volunteers will be prioritising this increased demand according to threat, risk and harm – some less urgent matters may take longer to attend.

The last week in Devon & Cornwall has seen a number of incidents of large gatherings, particularly in coastal and waterside areas, with reports of drink related anti-social behaviour and crime as a result.

There will be more officers on patrol throughout the region with greater visibility and reassurance to communities throughout the summer period.

Chief Constable Sawyer added: “Our licensed and hospitality industry will re-open on Saturday, but it will be a very different experience for those going to a pub or restaurant.

“I strongly encourage you to book your visit and you may be restricted to limited time within an establishment. We want people to enjoy that experience, but we cannot tolerate scenes like we have witnessed in Exmouth and on Plymouth’s Barbican in the last week.

“All people have a duty to drink responsibly, adhere to social distancing and not fight or commit criminal damage simply because we are coming out of lockdown. We will take proactive action against any drink related disorder and would ask people to think seriously about their actions.

“I wholly welcome a £500,000 investment by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to give support to 20 locations across the force aimed at reducing drink related anti-social behaviour – providing elements such as extra street warden security, public toilets and CCTV monitoring.

“And if you are going to a beach or beauty spot, park considerately and think about the legacy you may leave. We have seen many tonnes of rubbish left on coastline and country parks during the last week which is inexcusable – respect our wonderful region and take your rubbish away.

“I would also ask you respect the dangers that our coastline can pose in terms of swimming and surfing in the sea.”

Chief Constable Sawyer said: “I have no doubt we are going to be challenged by the numbers of vehicles on our road network this weekend and during the coming weeks – including abandoned vehicles on our roads. I would ask people drive safely and do not become a fatal or seriously injured statistic on our roads.

“If you are coming to Devon, Cornwall, Torbay, Plymouth or the Isles of Scilly, we welcome you as a responsible citizen, but please be aware COVID has not gone away.

“Social distancing still needs to be observed and everyone must play there part to prevent the virus spreading and not bring more misery upon our communities.

“Play your part and behave in a way that respects our communities, supports the local economy, but ultimately keep yourself and others safe.”

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Cr-048151-20 Stolen Rib Boat – Kingsbridge

June 18, 2020 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information in connection with a report of theft of a boat from the area of Tidal Road, Aveton Giffon, Kingsbridge.

This took place sometime between Sunday 14 and Monday 15 June 2020.

A Honway T40 4 meter rib boat was stolen, along with a 30HP outboard engine, 2 x paddles and anchor.

If you have any information or have any CCTV in the area please phone 101 or email 101@dc.police.uk quoting crime CR/048151/20.

Thank you.

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Message from Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer – Continue To Think Twice

May 14, 2020 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

“In England, there has now been an easing of Covid-related restrictions and amendments have been made to the legislation, following the Prime Minister’s address to the nation on Sunday night.
“It was always going to be challenging when restrictions began to be relaxed not only for policing but all agencies and communities. It may take a while for people to understand what the new guidance means and so our engagement and education is key.
“We will adapt to the new terms of the regulations and will positively engage with the public as we have been doing for the past two months.
“The latest amendments means that we have no role in enforcing social distancing, wearing of masks or distance of travel as the Government have made it clear that there are no longer restrictions on how far people can travel to exercise or for open air recreation.
“There remains a role for the police and our Covid-focus will now turn towards groups of three or more people outside of one household, and public gatherings as these are not lawful under the amended regulations which took effect on 13 May 2020. Where the evidence is clear and as a last resort, officers will use enforcement options that are available to them.
“The police are only responsible for enforcing the law, but our overall aim will continue to be one that sees us engage, educate and encourage people to comply with government guidance.
“My officers do not want to use their enforcement powers but it is right that they are able to take action against those who disregard the remaining restrictions and in doing so put people at risk.
CC Sawyer, added: “I believe the vast majority of the public understand the seriousness of the virus and will continue to do what is required. Personal responsibility is now key and we are continuing to ask the public to ‘Think Twice’ when they leave the house; is it safe and is it fair?
“My message to those people considering travel into the Force area would be that we would love to welcome you back but ask that you wait just a little longer. Cafés and restaurants remain closed, there are a lack of open facilities and we do not have lifeguards on all our beaches. There has been a national collective effort to protect all communities and we are need this national effort to continue for a little bit longer.
“For residents of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, we want you to be able to enjoy the extra independence you have been given in relation to exercise and open air recreation, but we want you to do so safely. It’s important that we all remember that our actions count and can affect others.
“Feedback from within communities across Devon and Cornwall is that they would prefer each other to stay local. It is important individuals undertake appropriate social distancing measures and ensure that they do not gather in groups with people from outside their home; it is important we all think about the impact our actions can have whether that be on our rural, coastal or urban areas.
CC Sawyer said: “Communities across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have always looked out for each other, but I feel that this connection is now even stronger.
“There has been a societal shift towards one that is showing a greater level of kindness and compassion, and it is this kindness and compassion which will see us through the following weeks and months.
“Fairness will weigh heavily and people will question the actions of others, which is why I will ask you all to ‘Think Twice’ about your own actions.
“We would like to thank our public for their support. We will continue to do our best to work with them and where we do not have the powers to enforce we will maintain our current approach of engage, educate and encourage.
“It is important we remember why we are all being asked to do this, which is to save lives.”

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ALL CAR PARKS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

April 29, 2020 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts
ALL CAR PARKS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

With the tacit support of the police, South Hams District Council and Devon County Council, this sign will be posted on the approach roads to Bigbury and Bigbury-on-Sea within the next few days:-

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Beach activity during COVID-19 pandemic

April 25, 2020 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

A statement from Drew Parkinson who is Area Commander For the Coastguard in the South Devon area known as Area 10.

“Coastguard Rescue Teams are assisting Devon & Cornwall Police with Mutual Aid Taskings. Coastguards will be assisting the Police by identifying areas where lots of people appear to be gathering together for BBQs or socialising rather than exercising. They will also identify areas where large numbers of people are exercising making it difficult to social distance.

Coastguard Rescue Teams remain fully operational throughout these taskings and are able to respond to coastal emergencies.

Requests for Mutual Aid should be raised through the Local Resilience Forum for consideration.”

Kind Regards,

Drew Parkinson
Coastal Operations Area Commander – Area 10

The Local Resilience Forum for the SW is : Devon & Cornwall Police, Emergency Planning Unit, 7-9 Hamilton Drive, Middlemoor, Exeter, EX2 7HQ. Contact: Neil Hamlyn Devon & Cornwall LRF Community Risk Register lrf@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

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Update Covid-19- from Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew

April 23, 2020 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

Continue to Play Your Part in Keeping Our Communities Safe

We must all continue to play our part in tackling the spread of Coronavirus.

Just under 300 fines have now been handed out by Devon & Cornwall Police topeople who were breaking coronavirus restrictions issued by the government.

In the 10 days between Good Friday, April 10, and 20 April, 296 fines were issued as a last resort across the region by our officers; the vast majority of these were issued to those undertaking non-essential journeys.

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said: “By now, everyone should know what their responsibility is in the battle against coronavirus; keep staying at home, try to stay local when exercising and only undertake essential travel. This will help us protect the NHS and ultimately, to save lives.

“There is no room for complacency and we must all keep adhering to the government advice. The majority of people are continuing to play their part in reducing the spread of Covid-19 and to them that I say thank you, your role in this should not be underestimated.

“There has been much discussion around the legislation and what it does and doesn’t specifically prohibit.

“It’s important to remember that a key factor is if a person’s actions are reasonable or not, and this is why our officers will continue to have conversations with those they stop and will make individual judgements based on specific circumstances presented to them.”

ACC Mayhew added: “A very small percentage of those people our officers speak to during police stops result in enforcement.

“The feedback from the vast majority of our communities is that we are currently striking the right balance between engagement and enforcement, and we will continue to strive to deliver a proportionate approach to the legislation.

ACC Mayhew said: “Please keep to doing your bit by staying at home and avoiding unnecessary travel; you are protecting the NHS and saving lives.”

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STAY AT HOME, SAVE LIVES!

April 17, 2020 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts
STAY AT HOME, SAVE LIVES!

Bigbury Parish Council
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Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 – new powers for SHDC

April 16, 2020 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

The District Council’s Environmental Health Specialists are now authorised under ‘The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020’: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/350/made

This is a dual role with Devon County Trading Standards that gives the District Council the power to close businesses that are not permitted to be open (listed in a schedule to the Regulations).

Regulation 5 of the 2020 Regultions does not permit the use of holiday accommodation, which includes rentals, campsites etc. Some exemptions apply – these are mainly for key workers and those that would be made homeless otherwise. Therefore, the Council does have the ability to close businesses if required.

The schedule to the Regulations does not include second homes, so therefore the only sanction that may be taken is by the Police, who enforce the movement restriction part of the same legislation. Where the District Council receives complaints of this nature, they are forwarded to the Police.

Feedback from the Police is that the extensive communications campaign that was carried out before the Easter holidays was successful in stopping the vast majority of people from travelling. Most holiday booking businesses have stopped taking bookings. Some holiday lets are being used to house key workers and this can cause some confusion. The Police also carried out visible patrols on routes into the South West.

To report concerns about a business that is opening, but should not be, please use www.southhams.gov.uk/businessconcerns

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