Devon & Cornwall Police News site

Local discussions about shop theft and anti-social behaviour in Ilfracombe have prompted Devon & Cornwall Police to address misinformation about the safety of the seaside town.

In a recent letter sent to the Commissioner, councillors raised concerns about shoplifting, street violence and intimidation in the popular seaside town.

As a result, a series of articles have been circulating online, suggesting that Ilfracombe is an unsafe place to live or visit, causing concern for people living in and planning to visit the area.

Inspector Joey Lester leads teams in South Molton, Lynton, Ilfracombe and Braunton. She said “We recognise that recent online commentary may have raised concerns within our community and amongst people planning to visit the town over the summer months.

“It is important to balance individual incidents and online commentary with the data, and I want to stress that Ilfracombe remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit.

“Over the last week, officers in Ilfracombe have arrested two young people and will be making additional arrests in relation to criminal damage offences, assaults and theft. Final written warnings have also been issued to four individuals causing persistent anti-social behaviour issues in the town and the team are working closely with North Devon Council and Ilfracombe College to put prevention measures in place.

“The latest available data shows positive progress in the town, with violence and sexual offences in Ilfracombe reducing by around 6% in the past year.

“Longer-term trends are also reassuring, with data indicating that overall crime in parts of Ilfracombe has fallen by more than 50% over the past decade.

“These figures demonstrate that targeted policing and strong partnership working are making a difference locally and I hope this provides some reassurance to anyone who may have been affected by the recent publications.”

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “I was sorry to hear about the issues being raised by Ilfracombe Town Council and I am pleased to learn of the actions the police have been taking.

"Everyone should be able to go about their lives without the threat of violence and theft. That is why I would encourage anyone to report crimes and anti-social behaviour to the police. This can be done in person at the town’s excellent police enquiry office, by calling 101, or using the contact form on the police website.

"I would also encourage people to sign up for the DC Alert service which helps improve communication between the police and the communities they serve. Reporting crime is vitally important because this information is used by the police to make decisions about where officers and staff are based.” 

The Ilfracombe Neighbourhood team are committed to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and their efforts were demonstrated earlier this month when a prolific offender was arrested after causing persistent disruption in the town.

Kevin Trigg, aged 39, of no fixed abode was due to appear at North & East Devon Magistrates’ Court on Friday 8 May, where he was made the subject of Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) to prevent any future offending. Despite failing to attend the hearing, the CBO was granted and will be in place for two years.

The Criminal Behaviour Order prevents Trigg from:

1. Littering
2. Defecating or urinating in a public place
3. Leaving any drug paraphernalia in a public place
4. Consuming alcohol or being in possession of any unsealed or open containers of alcohol in a public place with Public Space Protection Orders within Barnstaple, Ilfracombe or Bideford
5. Act in a manner which is threatening or intimidating in a public place, including shouting and swearing, being in an intoxicated state or being in a state of undress
6. Enter areas of Barnstaple, Ilfracombe or Bideford where Public Space Protection Orders are in place
7. Entering Rapparee Cove or Hele Bay, Ilfracombe

The Criminal Behaviour Order was secured with support from North Devon Council. North Devon Council Leader, Councillor David Clayton, said: “North Devon Council continues to work closely with Devon & Cornwall Police and our local partners to respond quickly to concerns and ensure our communities remain safe, welcoming, and well supported for residents and visitors alike.”

Trigg has since been arrested and charged with being in possession of class B drugs, a public order offence and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order. He is currently remanded in prison, awaiting sentencing.

With support from North Devon Homes, the Ilfracombe Neighbourhood team have also been successful in securing a closure order for a property in Oak Tree Gardens which had become a hotspot for antisocial behaviour, causing relentless disruption to neighbours for 12 months.

The tenant has now been barred from accessing North Devon Homes services in a bid to protect the community.  

Inspector Lester added, “I know many people will welcome the news of Kevin Trigg who caused widespread concern and frustration for people living locally.

“This is a great example of how working together with our communities and partner organisations can achieve positive outcomes that make a real difference.

“We really do rely on support and valuable information from the public. If you have concerns or have noticed something suspicious, please report it to us. I promise we will listen and we will take action.

“In the meantime, we will continue to provide a visible policing presence, carry out proactive patrols, and work closely with residents, businesses and partner agencies to keep Ilfracombe safe for everyone to enjoy.”

If you have concerns or information about antisocial behaviour should report it to police online using the reporting tool on the force website or by calling 101.

Always call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.