Latest News Items

New South Devon Police boss

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:35:00 +0100

Policing in South Devon has a new commander in the shape of Acting Superintendent Nikki Leaper.

Nikki has taken over as the area’s top cop on a temporary basis. She succeeds Jim Nye who has been promoted to Chief Superintendent. Jim leaves the Bay after two-and-a-half years to run the Force’s Operations Department at Police Headquarters in Exeter.

Nikki is now in charge of policing across Torbay, Teignbridge and the South Hams.

She has enjoyed a varied career across the Force since joining the police in 2003 as a patrol constable at Torbay.

She has since been employed in various strategic capacities including Staff Officer to the Deputy Chief Constable, Review and Inspections, Force Incident Manager, Contingency Planning and Custody Inspector. She was Deputy Director of Intelligence for the Force and spent 16 months of her career at the Home Office.
More recently she has been the Local Policing and Partnership Chief Inspector for South Devon.

Nikki said: “I am delighted to be stepping up as the Acting Superintendent for South Devon Local Policing Area and I look forward to working with the team in this new capacity.

“I will be focusing on working with our partner agencies and communities to provide the best possible policing service for the people of South Devon. Our overall aim is to ensure that South Devon remains one of the safest areas in the country and continues to be an envied location to work, live and visit.”

Geographic Area: Devon, Torbay

Priority: Updates

Date created: Thu, 23 May 2013 12:02:29 +0100

Reference: 0338.13

Police concern for missing Falmouth man

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Thu, 23 May 2013 07:45:00 +0100

Police are concerned for the welfare of a Falmouth man who was last seen on Monday this week (20 May). This matter was raised with officers when he failed to turn up for work on Tuesday.

This man is called Luke Atkins, aged 35 years and police have described this man as vulnerable.

Luke is described as a white male, 5 feet 8 inches tall and of proportionate build. He has mousey blond, shoulder length hair that is balding on top, with a full beard. He may have been wearing a green hooded fleece and almost always wears his hood up or wears a sun hat. He may be carrying a black and red rucksack.

One notable characteristic of Luke is that he walks with a pronounced forward lean.

A police spokesperson said: “We are hopeful that Luke is somewhere in the Cornwall area and we would like the public to help us with information that can aid our search. We know he likes the coast so I would ask walkers and dog walkers in particular to be vigilant and report anything that may assist us.”

Police are keen to ask members of the public who believe they may have seen this man, to contact them on 101 and quote log 673 of 21 May 2013.

Geographic Area: Cornwall

Priority: General releases

Date created: Wed, 22 May 2013 16:51:30 +0100

Reference: 0341.13

New CCTV image of Magdalena Krawiec, missing from Paignton

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:00:00 +0100

Police have released a new CCTV image showing the last known sighting of Magdalena Krawiec, the Polish woman who went missing from Paignton last week.

The picture shows the 20-year-old walking along Marine Drive near the Redcliffe Hotel in Paignton in the direction of Torquay on Monday 13 May at 8.17pm.

Police and family members are growing increasingly concerned for her welfare after she didn’t turn up for work on Tuesday 15 May.

Magdalena is described as 5ft 10, white European, slim build with short brown hair. She was last seen wearing a black, PVC or leather coat, dark top, grey leggings or tight fitting jeans and a black top. She was carrying a shoulder bag, which may have been green, and wearing black shoes with white socks.

Acting Suprtintendent Mike Robison said: "We are appealing for any premises within the Paignton area with CCTV, private or commercial, to ensure that any footage held between the hours of 6pm on Monday 13 May to 1am on Tuesday 14 May is retained, copied and made available to police."

Anyone who spotted Magdalena after she was last seen on Monday evening, or knows of her whereabouts now, is asked to call police on 101, quoting Operation Seeker, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Please note the date of the last sighting is on Monday 13 May 2013, not Tuesday 14 May as previously stated.

Geographic Area: Devon, Forcewide

Priority: Updates

Date created: Thu, 16 May 2013 15:10:07 +0100

Reference: 0327.13

Police need help in tracing motorcyclist in Plymouth

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:02:00 +0100

Police are keen to trace the rider of a large black motorcycle that was seen overtaking cars along Novorossisk Road, Plymouth just prior to a collision on Saturday 18 May 2013.

The collision took place at about 2.15pm near the junction of Colwill Road. Two cars were involved - a blue Peugeot 207 from Plymouth and a red Kia from the Yelverton area.

The fire and ambulance services attended the scene to treat five casualties with injuries that were not thought to be life threatening.

A police spokesman said: “We’re keen to locate this rider as they may be able to help us with our enquiries. We are hopeful someone may know who this person is or may have seen this motorbike in the area at the time of the incident.”

Anyone with information about this motorcycle or rider is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 463 of 18 May.

Geographic Area: Plymouth

Priority: General releases

Date created: Tue, 21 May 2013 10:03:33 +0100

Reference: 0334.13

Family releases statement after father found guilty of manslaughter of baby Roxie, Plymouth

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:20:00 +0100

Benjamin Roach was found guilty today, Monday 20 May, at Plymouth Crown Court for the manslaughter of his daughter Roxie Hopkins.

The one-month-old baby died at Plymouth's Derriford Hospital on 24 September 2010.

Roxie's mother has released the following statement:

"Since losing Roxie in 2010 I have found life a struggle, having to wait over two years for a funeral and to be able to grieve properly. It’s the not knowing, the whys, the hows and the what ifs? But now with the closure of both her funeral which was such a perfect service for my daughter, and the court case, I can move on with my life, my daughter can now rest in peace and justice has been served. Losing my daughter, my parents’ granddaughter and niece to my brother and sister will always remain the hardest thing that has happened to us. Although now all I have is memories, these are memories I will cherish throughout the rest of my life.

"Following the verdict, after a lengthy two week trial, I would like to say a huge thank you to all my family and friends for being such an amazing support network over the past three years. It’s been such a difficult time for me and I wouldn’t have the strength today if it wasn’t for them.

"The justice I have fought for, for finding the truth about what happened to Roxie and knowing she is now in a better place has been all I’ve wanted and now I can finally say I have achieved it.

I have met so many new people within the past three years, some being professional who have helped with the case and others making Roxie’s funeral fit for a princess. These are people that have made such an impact on my life and helped me cope through my darkest hour and I have no doubt we will remain friends after.

"It’s amazing how much one person can cope with when put in a situation, in this case losing a partner, losing a home and losing a child. Losing a child is losing a part of you and even though the empty space I have now will always be there, it’s not a dwelling anymore...it’s a distant memory of my perfect angel, my daughter, Roxie Michelle Hopkins."

Detective Inspector Costa Nassaris, from Devon and Cornwall Police, added:

"I am glad that justice has finally been done for baby Roxie and her mother, Kelly, who has shown great courage and determination in her desire to get answers for herself and get justice for her daughter.

"There have been delays caused by issues nationally in the way these cases are dealt with and I want to thank Kelly for the patience and understanding she has shown throughout this difficult period. Our thoughts are with Kelly and her family at this time.

"I would also like to thank the team of officers who have worked on this case, especially DC Angie Thomas and DC Mark Huxham, for their professionalism and commitment to serving the family."

Sentencing is due on Tuesday 21 May 2013.

Geographic Area: Devon, Plymouth, Forcewide

Priority: Updates

Date created: Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:55:57 +0000

Reference: 1148.10

Lotus police car loaned to Devon and Cornwall

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:05:00 +0100

Devon and Cornwall Police have a new addition in the drive for safer roads in the shape of a Lotus sports car.

The Lotus Evora has been emblazoned with the official Force livery and has been doing the rounds at public events across Devon and Cornwall.

The £50,000 vehicle is being used by officers at public events to increase community engagement and to raise road safety awareness.

Sgt Owen Messenger has borrowed the car from Lotus, who are providing it free of charge. McDonald’s have kindly agreed to pay for the livery.

“We have taken the car to a few events now and the response has been overwhelming,” said Sgt Messenger. “People literally flock to it. It’s a stunning looking car and with the police badges it’s very unusual!”

The attention it generates gives Sgt Messenger and his team the opportunity to discuss road safety initiatives with people who might otherwise not engage with police.

“Understandably we get a lot of interest from younger drivers and those with an interest in performance cars and that gives us the chance to talk with them over issues of road safety.”

Although the car won’t be used operationally it is lined up to be on show at several more car show events in the next few weeks, including Newquay’s Run To The Sun, before it is given back to Lotus.

The car will be on display at the Mid Devon Cruise on Saturday 18 May at Tiverton High School from 4pm to 10pm.

Geographic Area: Forcewide

Priority: Updates

Date created: Fri, 17 May 2013 14:35:53 +0100

Reference: 0327.13

Police Cadet chosen to support Mayor

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:11:00 +0100

Seventeen year old, Police cadet Sammy Maw has been chosen to support the Mayor of Newton Abbot. She will help Cllr Cooke in her duties as Mayor, including attending events at Courtenay Park.

The Newton Abbott cadets who meet fortnightly assist at many community and town council events across Teignbridge. The group is run by PC Ian Russell, PCSO Charlotte Perkin and PCSO Shaun Woodward.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Sammy” said PCSO Charlotte Perkin. Sammy is a positive role-model for young people. She has a motivating character and has the confidence to fulfil the role well”.

Sammy's term as the Lord Mayors' Police cadet will run until May 2014.

Geographic Area: Devon

Priority: General releases

Date created: Mon, 20 May 2013 12:19:17 +0100

Reference: 0329.13 KM

Family in court for running massive illegal waste operation in the Cornish countryside

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:22:00 +0100

Eight members of an extended family have pleaded guilty at Truro Crown Court to running a complex series of illegal waste businesses from a former smallholding near St Austell, Cornwall.

The case was brought by the Environment Agency and Devon and Cornwall Police.

Several thousand tonnes of waste were dumped on land at Rocks Farm, Bugle between 2003 – 2011 after it was turned into an illegal waste transfer station and landfill. Waste was burnt, sorted and recycled and a caravan letting business was run from the site.

Aerial photos taken in 1999 and 2009 revealed an increase in the amount of waste at the site. The illegal waste transfer station handled thousands of tonnes of waste a year. Skips were used to import waste including soil, wood and metal for recycling or disposal by landfill on land at Rocks Farm.

Using archived data of Rocks Farm collected in April 2007 and comparing it with the results of a survey carried out in July 2011, the Environment Agency estimated that more than 4,500 cubic metres of material had been landfilled at the site.

The waste activities at Rocks Farm continued to grow despite there being no planning permission from Cornwall County Council or necessary permits from the Environment Agency.

Three of the defendants, Jason and Shane Buckland and Paul Crocker had waste carrier licences, but this only allowed them to transport waste to a licensed site. It did not permit them to sort, treat and dispose of waste.

On June 30, 2011 police and Environment Agency officers executed a search warrant at Rocks Farm and made a number of arrests.

A court heard there was also a caravan site at Rocks Farm which consisted of some 51 caravans. The site is not on the mains sewer and has its own septic tank system. When checked by Environment Agency officers, the system was found to be inadequate.

Additionally, it needed a permit but didn’t have one.

‘After a lengthy and complicated investigation jointly undertaken by the Environment Agency and Devon and Cornwall police, eight people have pleaded guilty to environmental offences and the sentencing has been adjourned for eight months,’ said Andy Gardiner from the Environment Agency.

Appearing before Truro Crown Court the following defendants have pleaded guilty to depositing waste without a permit – Leeroy Buckland, Shane Buckland, James Crocker, Karl Buckland. Shirley Buckland pleaded guilty to knowingly permitting the deposit of waste without a permit. Roseanne Buckland, Jason Buckland and Paul Crocker pleaed guilty to the keeping/treating/recycing and/or disposal of waste without a permit. These are all offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Shirley Buckland pleaded guilty to the discharge of sewage effluent from caravans without a permit, which is an offence under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010.

Geographic Area: Cornwall

Priority: General releases

Date created: Fri, 17 May 2013 16:25:56 +0100

Reference: EA_170513

Attempted robbery - Exeter

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:47:00 +0100

Police in Exeter are appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery at a betting shop in the city.

At around 8.25pm on Wednesday 15 May 2013, three male suspects wearing balaclavas entered the Coral Racing bookmakers in Pinhoe Road.

Once inside, the offenders attempted to steal cash from the till, which happened to be empty.

The suspects then demanded money from the staff, but when no money was handed over the trio fled empty-handed.

After exiting the shop the three got on bicycles and made their escape.

The two staff in the shop were unharmed in the incident.

Police were called and deployed several units, including marked and unmarked cars as well as the police helicopter to search the immediate area, but as yet no one has been apprehended.

A police spokesman said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who may believe they know who is responsible. Thankfully the staff were unharmed, but they were left shaken following this very serious incident.”

Officers are carrying out house-to-house enquiries and are appealing for members of the public to contact police if they saw anything suspicious at the time, or if they have any information whatsoever.

Anyone with any information is asked to please contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 quoting DE/13/4394.

Geographic Area: Exeter

Priority: General releases

Date created: Thu, 16 May 2013 14:48:55 +0100

Reference: 0326.13

Rural crime and policing highlighted at Devon County Show

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:27:00 +0100

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg and Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer will be discussing rural crime and policing issues on the opening morning of the Devon County Show 16 May).

They will join County Chairman of the Devon Young farmers, Paul Glanvill, for an open forum in the Young Farmers’ area.

Among the topics expected to be covered are:

Theft of farm machinery
Livestock rustling
Metal theft
Poaching

Anyone attending the show is welcome to take part in the event.

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said: “We are committed to addressing crime in rural areas and we recognise that this requires a different approach to urban crime. The forum will be an excellent chance to hear from those people living and working in rural communities and I encourage anyone with any concerns to come along and take part.”

Tony Hogg says: “The PCC role is all about getting out of the office and meeting local people face to face. The Devon County Show gives me a wonderful opportunity to do that, and hear at first hand the issues that concern the public. Rural issues will be on the agenda, but I am more than happy to talk about other policing matters too. I am hoping for a large audience because discussions and feedback like this are vital to help me set policing priorities for the area with the Chief Constable.”

Event details:

Rural Crime and Policing Forum
Thursday 16 May - 10-11am
Devon Young Farmers’ stand

Avenue D – 215

Geographic Area: Devon

Priority: General releases

Date created: Wed, 15 May 2013 15:31:40 +0100

Reference: 0325.13

Update: Fatal RTC A393 Lanner

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:15:00 +0100

At just before 22.15hrs on Friday 10th May 2013, police received a report of single vehicle road traffic collision on the A393 at Lanner, Redruth, Cornwall, at the junction Pentreath Terrace.

The sole occupant of the vehicle, a grey Honda Civic was a male in his early 20. He was treated for injuries by paramedics but died at the scene.

Police are now conducting an investigation and an appeal is being made for any witnesses to the incident.

Next of kin have been advised but details of the deceased will not be released pending formal identification.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service also assisted at the scene.
Road closures were in force following the collision but are expected to be re-opened imminently.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the vehicle being driven prior is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police via the 101 non-emergency telephone line and quote incident number 798 10/05/2013.

Geographic Area: Forcewide

Priority: Updates

Date created: Sat, 11 May 2013 05:53:08 +0100

Reference: 1316.13

Update: Fire at bus depot in Summercourt, Newquay

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:10:00 +0100

At 0117hrs on Monday 13th May 2013 Devon & Cornwall Police received a report of a number of buses which were on fire in the Summercourt area of Cornwall.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and Police resources attended the scene. This was a fire and rescue service led operation with police support.

A large number of buses have been destroyed by fire which will impact on the bus service provided in mid-Cornwall.

No one has been injured as a result of the fire.

Following investigations, it is now thought that the fire may have been started deliberately.

Officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area either in the late evening of Sunday, 12 May or the early hours of Monday, 13 May to contact them on 101, quoting reference GC/13/151.

Geographic Area: Cornwall

Priority: Updates

Date created: Mon, 13 May 2013 06:08:41 +0100

Reference: 0318.13

Missing man - Plymouth area FOUND

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Tue, 14 May 2013 07:30:00 +0100

A man reported missing in the Plymouth area has been found safe and well.

Police were concerned for the welfare of Christopher Pearce, 56, but he was found safe and well late last night, Monday 13 May 2013.

Geographic Area: Plymouth

Priority: Updates

Date created: Mon, 13 May 2013 15:13:18 +0100

Reference: 0320.13

North Devon couple convicted for possessing and selling Pitbull type dogs

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Mon, 13 May 2013 09:33:00 +0100

On 28th March 2013 Police executed a warrant under Section 5 (2) Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 at an address in Jordan Close, Newport, Barnstaple occupied by husband and wife, Steven and Tracey Tewkesbury.

Police had received intelligence that the couple had been selling and advertising ‘pit bull’ type dogs described as Irish Staffords online, where he had been offering the offspring of his dogs for sale.

As a result of the warrant four dogs were seized, three of which were later identified as ‘pit bull’ type dogs, Troy, Casey and Motor.

It should be pointed out that the dogs seized were good natured and well cared for as pets.

On Friday 10th May 2013 both Mr & Mrs Tewkesbury pleaded guilty to offences of possession and the offering to supply dangerous dogs (pitbulls), contrary to section 1(7) of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and have been remanded on bail to Barnstaple Magistrates Court for sentencing on the 21st May 2013.

Devon and Cornwall Police have now started Operation Doorstop 2, to locate and identify those dogs which have been sold by the couple. The dogs are believed to have been sold nationally as Irish Staffords.

Where dogs are believed to be resident in other Force areas we have notified the respective Forces, for those resident in Devon & Cornwall we are in the process of contacting owners directly.

Detective Inspector Praveen Naidoo said: “The operation is intelligence led. The aim is to identify Pit Bull type dogs that are in the community having been sold by Mr & Mrs Tewkesbury as ‘Irish Staffords’ and ensure that the risk any dog may present is mitigated by use of Court orders.

“So far we have identified approximately 37 people in Devon and Cornwall who may have purchased dogs from this couple and in excess of a hundred nationally.

“Whilst it is a criminal offence to own a Pit Bull type dog, unless there are aggravating circumstances around the ownership of the dog it will not be our intention to prosecute owners. Our priority is to ensure that any risk the dog may present to the community and the family in which it is resident is mitigated.

“A number of Pit Bull type dogs have already been seized as a result of this operation and we are working closely with the courts to ensure orders are obtained in relation to the dogs promptly.”

Police sergeant Tony Whitting said: “Once a dog has been identified as a Pit Bull ‘type’ the dog can either be destroyed under the order of the Court or if they are satisfied it would not constitute a danger to the public it can be returned. If a Pit Bull Type dog is returned it must be owned under certain strict conditions. These are that it is micro chipped, tattooed, insured, neutered, muzzled in public and kept on a lead and held by someone 16 or over.”

Geographic Area: North Devon

Priority: General releases

Date created: Mon, 13 May 2013 09:37:19 +0100

Reference: 0314.13

Newquay death - man found collapsed on Newquay beach

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Sat, 11 May 2013 10:50:00 +0100

At just before 2 am on Saturday 11th May 2013, police received a report that members of the public had come across a collapsed man not breathing on Towan Beach , Newquay.

Attempts were made to resuscitate the male but he passed away at the scene.

The male, in his 30s, has been identified as a visitor to Newquay from the Hampshire area.

The man's family have been informed, though formal identification is not expected to take place until after the weekend.

After carrying out an initial investigation officers are treating this as a non-suspicious death at this time. A file will now be prepared for the coroner.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen this man late on Friday night or early Saturday morning, particularly in the vicinity of Towan beach. Call 101 and quote log 88 of 11 May 2013.

Geographic Area: Cornwall

Priority: General releases

Date created: Sat, 11 May 2013 06:17:02 +0100

Reference: 1317.13

Elderly victims targeted by burglar

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:54:00 +0100

Police are hunting for a burglar who targeted the homes of elderly people in Barnstaple, stealing hundreds of pounds in cash.

The offender struck at two homes in Bishops Tawton during Saturday 4 May, taking money from dresser units in both cases.

The first property was entered between 10am and 12.45pm and an amount of cash was stolen from the elderly occupier, a woman in her 80s.

Later that day, around 3.30pm, the offender targeted a second property in the same street. The victim, a woman in her 90s, discovered that a large amount of cash had been taken.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the Mount Pleasant area of the village on the day of the burglaries.

Anyone with information is asked to telephone police on 101, quoting crime reference CB/13/1291.

Geographic Area: North Devon

Priority: General releases

Date created: Fri, 10 May 2013 15:56:48 +0100

Reference: 0312.13

Police appeal following burglaries, Crediton

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Fri, 10 May 2013 08:16:00 +0100

Police in Crediton have issued an ‘Evofit’ of a suspect they wish to identify following two house burglaries in the Town.

The two incidents occurred between 2.00pm and 3.30pm on Monday 29th April in Clifford Gardens, Crediton.

In the first incident the offender entered a property flat via an insecure door and following a search some cash totalling £15 was stolen from a purse and container.

In the second incident at 3.30pm the offender entered another property via an insecure front door.

Following a tidy search a purse containing approximately £120 cash was stolen.

The elderly female occupant confronted the offender when he came out of her bedroom and he stated that he was from health & Safety and completing an inspection, before leaving the premises.

The offender is described as being, a young man aged 17 or 18 years, 6’ in height, slim build with short brown hair and a young fair complexion.
He was wearing a red ‘T’ shirt or sweatshirt with a white collar.

Police would like to hear from anyone who recognises this man or anyone who has any information regarding the burglaries, and ask that they contact them on 101 quoting police reference KC/13/308 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or report online at www.Crimestopers-uk.org

Geographic Area: Devon

Priority: General releases

Date created: Fri, 10 May 2013 08:19:55 +0100

Reference: 0310.13

Motorcycle stolen, damaged and left nearby in Liskeard

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Thu, 09 May 2013 07:53:00 +0100

Police in Liskeard are seeking witnesses to an aggravated vehicle taking that took place sometime overnight between 9pm Thursday 2 May to around 8.30am Friday 3 May in Culverland Park, Liskeard.

A white Sym motorcycle was taken from an address and was later found several hundred metres down the road with damage to both wing mirrors.

If anyone saw or heard anything unusual in this area police would like you to make contact. If you have any information please contact police on 101 quoting reference BD/13/607.

Geographic Area: Cornwall

Priority: General releases

Date created: Thu, 09 May 2013 07:54:51 +0100

Reference: 0311.13

Watch out for opportunist car criminals

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Wed, 08 May 2013 11:44:00 +0100

Motorists are being urged not to leave valuables on show in their vehicles when visiting beauty spots in Devon and Cornwall.

The warning comes from police after thieves targeted a vehicle on Dartmoor on Monday 6 May.

Thieves forced the door of the locked Nissan Micra in a car park between Poundsgate and Dartmeet around 6pm and stole a handbag.

The handbag contained a driving licence, bank cards, a small amount of cash and a £400 iPhone 5.

Police are urging anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to contact them and are asking the public to be on their guard for opportunist thieves preying on vehicles.

PC Laura Totterdell said people should take care by keeping car windows closed and doors locked and by keeping valuables out of view.

“Tourists and locals flock to remote beauty spots every year, particularly in the summer months, and can be vulnerable to car crime,” she said.

“Phones, bags, sat navs and other valuables left on show in vehicles can be a target for criminals. We would urge people to remove all valuables from sight to prevent temptation from opportunistic thieves.

“By taking simple precautions, people can help police to reduce crime while preventing the heartache of losing valuables and belongings."

Anyone with information about the Dartmoor theft is asked to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference JT/13/569.

Geographic Area: Forcewide

Priority: General releases

Date created: Wed, 08 May 2013 11:50:51 +0100

Reference: 0309.13

Emergency services involved in cliff rescue, Newquay

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Press Office — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:45:00 +0100

During the evening of 7 May a large party of international young people, mainly ,Austrian, Swiss, German and English, mostly aged in their early twenties attended the Lowenick restaurant on Pentire, Newquay for a farewell dinner.

The group had been travelling all week engaging in activities promoting international relations. The group are currently staying in the Penzance area.

Three young men from the party decided to go climbing on the cliffs near to Pentire Headland.

Two of the group of three fell from the cliffs approximately 5 metres into the sea.
The two men were located on rocks at the base of the cliffs on the North side of Pentire Head near to Pentire Point.

One man, a 22 year old Swiss man sustained a fractured pelvis after hitting rocks as he fell.
He was airlifted by Royal Navy Sea King helicopter from the scene and taken to Treliske hospital, Truro where he remains.

The uninjured man was rescued by the lifeboat and taken to Newquay harbour.
.

Staff from both Newquay and Padstow Coastguard attended the incident along with a Sea King Helicopter from RNAS Culdrose and two Newquay lifeboats.

Inspector Dave Meredith commented:

‘With the summer season fast approaching, this incident is a timely reminder of the dangers of the areas around cliffs. The two persons who fell into the sea were not suitably dressed or equipped to go near or on such dangerous cliffs.
Light was fading and other members of this large group were also put in danger by their efforts to locate the two missing men.
It is fortunate that we are not today dealing with a fatal Newquay cliff fall.’

Geographic Area: Cornwall

Priority: General releases

Date created: Wed, 08 May 2013 09:47:39 +0100

Reference: 0309.13