Police drones were launched over Teignmouth during an operation to deter anti-social behaviour following reports of nuisance incidents on the water and near the quayside.
The operation took place earlier this month at the busy coastal town and those taking part included: the Teignmouth Neighbourhood Police Team, Devon & Cornwall Police Drone Team, a South Devon Neighbourhood Support Team and the local Harbourmaster. There were also police officers checking for drink drivers in the area.
Drones were deployed to monitor activity over land and water and police are pleased to report that no nuisance use of jet skis or other watercraft was identified with most visitors acting responsibly.
Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Ben Chadwick co-ordinated the operation. He explained: “One of the reasons we set up this operation is that we see an increase in anti-social behaviour when the good weather returns. A jet ski user was recently injured in Teignmouth and had to be airlifted to hospital. Thankfully on that occasion the incident did not turn out to be as serious as it could have been.
“We are not here to spoil anyone’s fun but we are asking people not to engage in nuisance behaviour which could be risky to themselves and others. Please obey speed limits in the harbour and don’t behave in an anti-social manner. Respect other water users and local residents.
“We are also reminding visitors - many of whom travel from other parts of the South West to enjoy Teignmouth - that we will not tolerate drink driving as it ruins lives.
“Lots of people came to talk to us at the engagement van and we gave out plenty of stickers to children. Many passers-by said they were glad to see us out and about in the town carrying out extra foot patrols and were reassured by the increased police presence. It’s a great way to connect with more people and remind them we are here to keep them safe.”
Day to day policing continued as normal during the weekend operation and the extra officers assisted with quickly locating a six year old child who had been reported missing.
Police teams will continue to collect evidence using tactics such as drones, CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and disrupt any offenders. Action will be taken against those who flout the law.
Associated British Ports (ABP) - the UK's leading port operator and the owner of the Port of Teignmouth - is urging everyone to take water safety seriously and to stay out of the water in and around ports.
A spokesperson said: "Ports and harbours are industrial working environments and are not designed for swimming or recreation. There are hidden dangers, including strong and unpredictable currents, submerged hazards and vessel movements. These risks are present even when the water looks calm and there are no vessels nearby.
"Swimming, diving or using watercraft in port areas puts lives at risk and is not safe.
"As part of its wider water safety campaign, ABP continues to work with partners to improve safety through measures such as enhanced signage, barriers and lifesaving equipment. These steps support incident prevention, but the clear message remains to stay out of the water and away from port infrastructure.
"Working together, we can help prevent serious incidents and keep people safe around the water."
To report incidents to Devon & Cornwall Police please call 101 or visit our website Home | Devon & Cornwall Police
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