Devon & Cornwall Police News site

Police officers in Devonport have achieved a number of positive outcomes as part of their recent effort to drive down crime affecting the livelihoods of local people.

Recent police activity in Devonport has had a focus on shoplifting, police visibility and thorough investigations. Their work has secured a number of successful results.

David Rice, aged 31, of Molesworth Road, was sentenced on 20 February at Plymouth Magistrates. He was charged with 3 counts of theft from shops which took place in January and February 2025. He was also wanted on recall for prison. Rice was sentenced to 26-weeks in prison.

A suspect was identified and arrested on suspicion for over 30 offences related to a spate of tyre slashings that took place in Plymouth in December 2024. The individual is currently on bail while the investigation continues.

Since the start of 2025, the Devonport neighbourhood police team have carried out over 100 high-visibility foot patrols across the area. This adds up to hundreds of hours of engagement with communities. This work also included door-to-door knocks as part of the police’s efforts to be approachable, friendly and supportive to those who need help.

Police Inspector Paul Laity, who heads up neighbourhood teams in Devonport, said: “There has been some great work taking place. I hope people in the local area have felt the impact of our presence on the streets. Being visible will continue to remain a focus for our neighbourhood officers.

“It’s positive that we have removed a prolific offender from the streets and arrested a suspect for a crime that had a widespread impact across the community.

“Although this doesn’t solve the issues altogether, it’s a step in the right direction to make sure the public feel safe.

“We will continue to be robust on crime, pursuing and arresting individuals responsible for causing harm in our city to put them before the courts.”

Other community engagement work included running sessions to students at the City College as part of the public services course, educating them on the daily work that takes place across different police teams.

“Connecting with people is an essential part of the day-to-day role for neighbourhood officers. Speaking to people is an effective way for us to deter them from choosing a lifestyle that involves crime, while making sure the public feel able to report crime to us and that they can approach the police to ask for help when they’re in need.”

The proactive work was carried out by neighbourhood police officers, support team officers and detectives.

Police officers will continue to carry out regular patrols both on foot and in vehicles.

Thorough crime investigations crime remain a key priority for police. If you have any information that could support with the police’s investigations, please report it. There are a few ways to do this:

• Visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website to fill out an online reporting form
• Call 101
• If a crime is currently taking place or if you are in danger, call 999
• Information can also be passed 100% anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via their website.

The Devonport Public Enquiry Office (PEO) is open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 3pm. PEOs allow members of the public to have access to walk-in services where they can speak to trained staff who can help with crime reporting, crime prevention advice, and help with accessing victim services.

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Devon & Cornwall Police in Plymouth also have an ongoing online survey, allowing people to share feedback on policing in the local area. If you’re interested in completing the short 5-minute survey, visit: https://forms.office.com/e/zndYngZw0K

Photo: a police officer carrying out high-visibility community engagement in Devonport.