Exmoor man held by police investigating Devon 'bilking' offences

POLICE in Devon today arrested an Exmoor man on charges of ‘bilking’ - which is when a customer leaves without paying for goods or services.
The 57-year-old, from Dulverton, was accused of filling his car with petrol and then driving off without paying at a number of garages across Devon.
He was arrested following a Tavistock police investigation into a series of bilking offences which occurred at supermarket filling stations in Devon.
On each occasion a Rover 600 car was filled with unleaded petrol and then driven off by a man without paying for the fuel.
Only supermarket filling stations were targeted and police said the culprit seemed to be aware of CCTV monitoring as he took care to conceal his face, while different registration numbers were used on the car.
Two offences happened in Tavistock exactly a year apart, on November 29, 2007, and November 29, 2008, while other offences occurred in Totnes, Exeter, and Barnstaple.
The arrested man was being held in custody at Exeter Police Station.

Hope Centre and Dreamscheme to feature in neighbourhood policing roadshow

TWO award-winning community initiatives in Minehead will take centre stage at a pioneering Somerset County Council and Avon and Somerset Police event this week.
The Hope Centre project and Dreamscheme are among successful schemes being showcased through a ‘Safer Stronger Neighbourhood’ roadshow.
The partnership event, organised by the county council and the police, is the first of its kind and aims to influence the future of neighbourhood policing.
It takes place on Thursday morning at Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Club, and will bring together police, local authority councillors and officers, and other agencies to share information about some of the most inspirational community work going on in Somerset.
The Hope Centre is run by volunteers through Minehead Baptist Church and provides drop-in facilities for hard to reach members of the local community, such as the homeless, alcoholics, and drug abusers.
It offers support, hot food and drinks, and help in avoiding reoffending, making medical appointments, and linking with other agencies.
Finance for the project has been provided by the county council via the Somerset West Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.
It won an award last November for an outstanding contribution to reducing re-offending.
The Dreamscheme initiative, on the Seaward Way estate, enables young people to carry out community projects to earn points which are then exchanged for activities and trips.
The projects, such as community clean-ups and gardening, have helped engage young people on the estate and reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour.
Dreamscheme won the Neighbourhood Watch youth award and a commendation in the police’s children and young people awards for its contribution to the local community.
County council leader, Councillor Jill Shortland, and Avon and Somerset Police Authority chairman Dr Moira Hamlin, will give presentations at the roadshow and take part in a question and answer session to generate ideas on how to improve neighbourhood policy through partnership working.
The county’s community safety portfolio holder, Councillor Henry Hobhouse, said: “We are committed to providing safer communities for all our residents, through partnership work and prevention.
“This event will showcase some of the many excellent examples of inspirational projects which are having a real impact on improving community safety and reducing fear of crime.
“It is also an opportunity for people to contribute new ideas that could influence the future of neighbourhood policing.”
Head of the Somerset West police district, Chief Superintendent Sandy Padgett, said: “Neighbourhood policing has come along in leaps and bounds over the last year and I am really proud of how my teams have worked together with partners and communities to tackle local issues in a proactive and positive way.
“The ‘Safer Stronger Neighbourhood’ roadshow will allow us to showcase just some of this work and kick start a productive 2009.”

Police make urgent appeal to trace missing pensioner

AN urgent appeal was made by police today for people in West Somerset to help find a Westcountry pensioner who has gone missing from a care home.
Police said they were becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of Isabel Macdonald (pictured), aged 71.
She was last seen leaving her care home in Lindridge Road, Torquay, South Devon at 8.30 am on Saturday.
Now, Avon and Somerset Constabulary has circulated an appeal on behalf of the Devon and Cornwall force in an effort to widen the search for Mrs Macdonald.
She was described as white, 5 ft 2 in tall, of slight build, with wavy grey hair.
Mrs Macdonald was last seen wearing a light coloured grey mac and carrying a shoulder bag.
She walks with the aid of a stick.
Anybody who has had a sighting of Mrs Macdonald, or has any information as to her whereabouts, should contact Devon and Cornwall Police by calling 08452 777444 and quoting log number 837 24/01/09.

Family 'wait and see' after car shop man is seriously injured

AN elderly man who was seriously injured yesterday when he was hit by a car in Williton has been named as John Slade (pictured), the proprietor of car spares and accessories shop Motorline.
Mr Slade, aged 63, who lives with his wife Sandra in Watchet, appears to have been run over by a woman customer’s car outside his Robert Street shop.
He suffered ‘significant head injuries’and leg injuries and was flown by air ambulance to the intensive care unit of Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton.
Today, his condition was said to be “comfortable” and he was now being cared for on a general ward of the hospital.
Son-in-law Darren Elliot said Mr Slade’s condition had stablilised but he was still extremely poorly.
Mr Elliot said: “We just have to wait and see.”
Police have appealed for any witnesses to the incident to come forward to help their inquiries.
They believe Mr Slade was standing behind the customer’s car when it suddenly reversed into him and dragged him some distance along the road.
Mr Slade is the main sponsor of Watchet Cricket Club and also runs Great Western Cars, a luxury chauffeur service with a 1930s-style Asquith limousine.
Anybody with any information about the accident should call the police on 0845 4567000.

Car repair man critically injured as second vehicle hits him

A WILLITON man was airlifted to hospital this afternoon after suffering serious head injuries when he was hit by a car.
The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (pictured) was called when the accident happened in Robert Street, Williton, shortly before 12.45 pm.
The man, who lives locally and is aged his 60s, was working on a parked car when he was struck by a second car.
The air ambulance took him to Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, where his condition was said to be ‘critical’.
Police closed Robert Street for several hours while an investigation to establish the cause of the collision was started.
They appealed for any witnesses to come forward to help the inquiry.
Anybody with information about the incident should contact Avon and Somerset Constabulary by calling 0845 456 7000.

Police to sell unclaimed stolen property on internet auction site

UNRETURNED and unclaimed stolen and lost property is to be sold off by Avon and Somerset police via an internet based auction website.
Bumblebee Auctions, a website specifically created for police forces, will be used to sell the property along similar lines to eBay.
Previously, the police relied on traditional auction houses to sell such property, but have now turned the internet.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary detained property manager Ken Dawes said: “Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we are unable to return recovered property to its original owner and in the majority of these cases the property is sold.
“In accordance with the Police Property Regulations 1997, the proceeds are used to help the local community by donating to charitably causes, schools, and local community-based projects.
“It is hoped that Bumblebee Auctions will expose these items to a wider audience and as a result generate increased funds.”
Mr Dawes said if an item could not be returned to its owner, it would be photographed and uploaded to the website with a brief description before it went on sale, initially for seven days.
Like other online auction sites, bidders register with the Bumblebee website prior to placing a bid and can then bid as many times as they like.
The item goes to the highest bidder at the close of the sale.
Payment is made online via Nochex and the website contains full, easy to follow instructions.
Mr Dawes said: “Typical items of property which will be sold on this site include jewellery, watches, electrical goods, pedal bikes, tools, CDs and DVDs, and games consoles.
“But there really is no limit to the type of thing which could be offered for sale, so if you do no't see what you are after on your first attempt, try again seven days later and as there are no minimum bids, you could pick up a bargain.”

• Our photograph shows a sample of the types of item which police will be selling on the internet auction site. Photo submitted.

Missing Nafisa is found safe in London

A TEENAGE girl who went missing 13 days ago has been found safe and well, police said today.
Nafisa Diyar (pictured), aged 13, of Minehead, disappeared on Sunday, January 4, during a trip to a Devon activity park.
She was thought to have headed for London on board a train to contact a relative who lived in the city, although she never arrived at the woman’s address.
After an appeal for help from the public, Nafisa was discovered yesterday in Ealing, West London, although police did not issue any further details of what had happened to her.
Police had been concerned that Nafisa was ‘vulnerable’ because of her young age.
The media was thanked by police for its help in locating missing Nafisa.

Appeal to help catch burglars who terrified elderly Exmoor couple

AN elderly Exmoor couple were robbed in a terrifying ordeal last night by three masked men who burst into their home armed with wooden clubs.
The aggravated burglary happened between 7 pm and 7.30 pm at a secluded property near Exford in Room Hill Road - the B3223.
The couple were restrained by the raiders, who then searched the premises before they were believed to have left in a vehicle.
Although unharmed in the incident, the couple were badly shaken by the experience.
They managed to alert police shortly after the three men had gone.
Police were today still trying to establish what items had been stolen in the burglary.
They appealed for any information from the public which might help to catch the raiders.
The three burglars were similarly dressed in dark ‘walking’ or ‘ski-type’ jackets, dark trousers, gloves, training shoes, and dark balaclavas or ski masks.
They were described as having an untidy appearance.
Police would like to hear from anybody who may have seen any unusual people, vehicles, or activity in the area, or who may have other information about the incident.
Anybody who thinks they can help should contact CID at Bridgwater Police Station by calling 0845 456 7000.
Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where they do not have to give their name and where they could receive a reward.
A secure Crimestoppers contact form is also available over the internet at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crimestoppers/ContactForm.aspx

Lock up village homes warning from police after spate of attempted burglaries

RESIDENTS of Nether Stowey were being warned to take extra precautions to secure their homes after a burglary and a series of attempted break-ins were discovered in the village.
The incidents all occurred during a single night and were thought to be the work of the same gang of thieves.
They all happened in the Banneson Road area during the early hours of yesterday.
Police are anxious to trace a group of men who were seen repeatedly driving along the road shortly before 5.30 am yesterday.
Their presence coincided with a break-in at one property, which the householder said had happened some time between 10.50 pm on Tuesday and 8.40 am yesterday.
The intruders searched cupboards and drawers, although it remained unclear whether anything had been taken.
During the same timeframe, several other properties were disturbed as somebody tried the locks on doors and windows after entering people’s gardens.
Police said although such incidents were rare, residents should be extra careful to ensure they secured their homes and kept any valuables out of sight.
Anybody with any information about the incidents should contact police by calling 0845 4567000 or using the confidential free Crimestoppers number 0800 555111.

Missing teenager sparks public appeal for help by police

POLICE have appealed for help from the public in finding a teenage girl who has gone missing from Minehead.
Thirteen-year-old Nafisa Diyar (pictured) has not been seen since Sunday, January 4.
She was on a trip to an activity park in Devon when she left the park without anybody knowing she had gone.
It was thought that Nafisa boarded a train to London and tried to contact a relative who lives in the city, but she failed to arrive at the woman’s address.
Police believe Nafisa headed to the Southall area of London, but she is also known to have links to Leicester.
Nafisa was said to be ‘vulnerable’ because of her young age.
She is described as having brown eyes and black afro-style hair and when last seen she was wearing blue jeans, a black and white striped hooded top, and a grey scarf.
Allyson Murray, who is co-ordinating the search for Nafisa, said: “I want to appeal to Nafisa to get in touch with me so that we know she is okay.
“If anybody has seen Nafisa since Sunday I would urge them to call me so that we can piece together Nafisa’s movements and find her.
“Please be vigilant when you are out and about and if you see Nafisa or have any other information about her, please call Avon and Somerset Police on 0845 456 7000.”

More than 200 arrested in drink-drive crackdown

A TOTAL of more than 200 drivers were arrested in a Christmas drink-drive crackdown by Avon and Somerset Police.
The arrested drivers included 30 from across the West Somerset policing area.
The campaign was part of a national move to target irresponsible and dangerous drivers, and ran from December 1 to January 1.
The total of 202 arrested motorists was slightly down on last year’s campaign, when there were 216 arrests.
Of those arrested this year, 62 were under the age of 25 years.
Supt Andy Pullan, head of the constabulary’s road policing unit, said: “This campaign was about reminding people that drinking alcohol and driving is a lethal combination.
“Everybody is aware of the dangers, but there are still the reckless few who are prepared to gamble on others and their own lives.
“Each year, 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured nationally on our roads in drink-drive related crashes.”
This year’s campaign saw about 2,000 drivers stopped across the force area every week.
Those arrested now face a criminal record, a fine of up to £5,000, a 12-month minimum driving ban, and an 11-year wait for a clean licence.
Supt Pullan said: “Campaigns like this reinforce the message that drinking and getting behind the wheel of a car is unacceptable.
“However, I would like to remind drivers that the message of not drinking and driving applies all year, not just at Christmas.
“It is very important that the public do their bit by telling us about people they suspect regularly or intend to drink and drive.”
Police have urged people to report drink-drivers by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Arrests top 180 in Christmas drink-drive crackdown

MORE than 180 people have been arrested since the launch of Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s Christmas drink-drive crackdown on December 1.
The total of 183 arrests included 26 across the West Somerset policing area.
The campaign is part of a national move to target irresponsible and dangerous drivers over the festive period.
Supt Andy Pullan, of force’s the road policing unit, said: “"This campaign is about reminding people that drinking alcohol and driving is a lethal combination.
“Everybody is aware of the dangers, but there are still the reckless few who are prepared to gamble on others and their own lives.
“Each year 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured nationally on our roads in drink-drive related crashes.
“Driving or attempting to drive while above the legal limit or unfit through drink could lead to a penalty of six months imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000, and a minimum 12 month driving ban.
“Campaigns like this reinforce the message that drinking and getting behind the wheel of a car is unacceptable.
“We will continue to show drivers that they will get caught if they drink and drive and there are severe consequences when they do.”
Officers have been carrying out high visibility road-side checks across known drink-drive hotspots throughout the force area and taking the opportunity to provide law abiding motorists with some car crime prevention advice.

Police drink-drive crackdown catches nearly 150 motorists under the influence

POLICE have renewed their appeal to motorists not to drink and drive over the festive period and especially today, Christmas Eve.
It follows the arrest of more than 140 drivers since the December 1 launch of a Christmas anti-drink and drive campaign across the Avon and Somerset Constabulary area.
Nineteen of the motorists were caught in checks conducted in the West Somerset policing area.
A total of 146 drivers have so far been arrested during the campaign, of which almost one-third (41) were aged under 25 years.
The arrested drivers either gave a positive breath specimen or refused to provide a specimen, or were driving while unfit through drink or drugs.
Supt Andy Pullan, head of the force’s road policing unit, said: “There is no failsafe guide as to how to stay under the legal drink drive limit, or how much you can drink and still drive safely.
“That is why we urge people not to drink at all if they are driving.”
Supt Pullan said officers would continue to carry out high visibility roadside checks across known drink-drive hotspots throughout the force area.
He said they would also be taking the opportunity to provide car crime prevention advice.
Police estimate by the end of the Christmas drink-drive campaign up to 10,000 motorists will have been stopped by officers.
The crackdown on drink-driving is part of a nationwide initiative led by the Association of Chief Police Officers throughout the month of December.
Although there is a focused campaign throughout December, Supt Pullan said the drink-drive message applied across the 365 days of the year.
He said: “It is recognised that over the festive period there is a greater risk, but we will remain relentless in our campaign against drink-driving in Avon and Somerset.”
Anybody with information about drink-drivers should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
They do not have to give their name and they could receive a reward.
In urgent cases where it is suspected somebody is driving or about to drive while drunk, thereby putting life at risk, people should call 999.

• Our photograph shows a police officer preparing to carry out a roadside breath test. Photo submitted.

Spot-checks operation on taxis to ensure public are safe at Christmas

A PRE-Christmas clampdown on taxi and private hire operators saw two vehicles taken off the road immediately for failing safety checks.
The operation was carried out jointly last week by West Somerset Council, police, and vehicle inspectors.
A total of 25 taxis and private hire vehicles were randomly stopped for spot-checks which were carried out at Minehead police headquarters.
Police motorcyclists rounded up hackney carriages up to eight-seats in size, and engineers from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) made safety checks.
Of the two prohibition notices which were issued - preventing the operator trading immediately - one was lifted on the same day after minor remedial works by qualified mechanics.
Council licensing committee chairman Councillor Jenny Hill said: “Taxis are very much in demand at this time of year so we were pleased to discover the vast majority of operators are keeping their vehicles in a safe and sound condition, and meeting the strict standards for public hire vehicles.
“It is vital that there is no compromise in ensuring public safety, and that people can trust in the reliability of hire transport.”
Police, who conduct roadside checks on all vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy, taxed, and insured, urged motorists to conduct regular checks on their vehicles to ensure they complied with manufacturer and use regulations.
Inspector Carol Pearce said: “These checks are a regular occurrence in West Somerset.
“By working together with all agencies, we can ensure that when a member of the public gets into a taxi in West Somerset, it is completely roadworthy.
“I would urge all drivers of motor vehicles to regularly check their lights and ensure that the windscreen washes are topped up
“Keeping your vehicle safe and roadworthy is the best Christmas present you can give yourselves, your family, and your fellow humans.
“Stay safe over Christmas, if you drink - don’t drive.”

Police hunting two men after armed robbery fails

POLICE are appealing for information and witnesses after an armed man tried to rob a Spar shop in Alcombe, Minehead, last night.
The man used a hand gun in the attempted robbery, which happened at about 6.30 pm.
He entered the store in Alcombe Road and pointed the gun at a shop assistant’s face while demanding money.
The man made repeated demands for money but the assistant was unable to open the till.
The robber then panicked and left the store empty-handed.
He was described as white, 5 ft 10 ins tall, of average build, with fair coloured hair and was wearing a light coloured jacket.
The raider’s face was hidden under a ski mask which he wore during the attempted robbery.
It is believed he had an accomplice waiting outside, who was described also as white, 5 ft 10 ins tall, of average build, and with dark hair and wearing a dark coloured jacket.
Anybody who witnessed the incident, or saw two men matching these descriptions acting suspiciously in the area, should call police on 0845 456 700 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where they do not have to give their name but could receive a reward.
Alternatively, they can contact police through the secure Crimestoppers contact form which can be found on the internet at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/crimestoppers/ContactForm.aspx.

Christmas drink-drive campaign catches more than 100 drivers

MORE than 100 motorists have been arrested by Avon and Somerset Police for drink-driving offences since the launch of a Christmas crackdown at the start of the month – 15 of them in the West Somerset policing area.
The arrested drivers have failed breath tests or refused to provide a specimen, or were driving while unfit through drink or drugs.
With the Christmas party season well under way, police today reminded people not to drink alcohol before driving.
Supt Andy Pullan, head of the road policing unit, said: “There is no failsafe guide as to how to stay under the legal drink-drive limit, or how much you can drink and still drive safely.
“That is why we are urging people to not drink at all if they have a vehicle with them.”
Police have been carrying out high visibility roadside checks across known drink-drive hotspots throughout the force area and at the same time have taken the opportunity to provide law abiding motorists with some car crime prevention advice.
They estimate that officers will have stopped 10,000 motorists by the end of the festive period.
The crackdown is part of a nationwide initiative led by the Association of Chief Police Officers throughout the month of December.
However, Supt Pullan said although there was a focused campaign at this time of the year, the drink-drive message applied on all 365 days of the year.
Supt Pullan said: “Of course, it is recognised that over the festive period there is a greater risk, which is why we are putting extra resources in place throughout the next six weeks.
“But it will not stop there and our efforts will continue throughout the year.”
Anybody with information about drink-drivers should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where they do not have to give their name and could receive a reward.
In urgent cases where it is suspected somebody is driving or about to drive while drunk and thereby putting life at risk, people should dial 999.

• Our photograph shows a roadside breath test being carried out by a police officer. Photo submitted.

Poison alert for pet owners on Quantocks as buzzard dies

PET owners are being warned by police to be vigilant after the death of a buzzard on the Quantock Hills which had been poisoned with a banned pesticide.
The dead buzzard was found by a walker on the hills. It was lying on top of a dead pheasant not far from a game bird release pen.
Post mortems on the buzzard and the pheasant showed both had the banned pesticide carbofuran in their bodies.
Carbofuran was once widely used to control insects in a variety of field crops, including potatoes, corn, and soybeans, and is known to be highly toxic to birds with just a single grain causing death.
Police said they believed the pheasant may have been baited to target animals which preyed on game birds, but they were unsure if was left specifically for buzzards.
Together with officials from Natural England, police officers searched the Quantocks earlier this month for any signs of the banned substance and to carry out safety checks on pesticide stores.
Police wildlife crime officer Sgt Andy Whysall said: “The indiscriminate poisoning of wildlife is a serious matter which affects all who use the countryside.
“Pet owners walking on the hills are advised to avoid contact with animal carcasses, suspect baits, pesticides, or pesticide containers.”
Natural England spokesman David Trump said: “Dogs have a tendency to pick things up while walking and some pesticides are fairly quick acting, so sometimes by the time owners realise their pet is unwell it is too late.
“It is also potentially hazardous to children and people in general.
“We want people to be aware and to report anything suspicious to the police.”
Animal Concern charity spokesman John Robins said bird poisonings were often difficult to solve because they took place in remote areas and the birds could fly some distance away from where they took the bait.
Mr Robins said: “We urge people to contact the police immediately and not to touch anything they find because it is evidence and it can be lethal.”
It is a criminal offence carrying a maximum fine of £5,000 to supply, sell, store, or use any non-approved pesticide.
The Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme investigates deaths of wildlife where there is evidence that pesticide poisoning may be involved and has appealed for information about the buzzard’s death.
Anybody with information should call 0800 321600.

• Our photograph shows the carcass of the buzzard found on the Quantocks. Photo submitted.

Young drivers arrested in police crackdown on drinking and driving

WITH the Christmas party season well under way, police have reminded people not to drink alcohol before driving.
A forcewide anti-drink-drive campaign began on December 1 and so far 69 people have been arrested for drink driving – eight of them in the West Somerset policing area.
More than one-in-five of the arrested drivers was aged under 25 years.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary road policing unit head, Supt Andy Pullan, said: “These young people will start the New Year without a driving licence and with a criminal record.
“They could also be fined up to £5,000, be imprisoned, lose their jobs, and the endorsement will stay on their licence for 11 years.”
Police officers have been carrying out high visibility road-side checks across known drink-drive hotspots throughout the force area and taking the opportunity to provide law-abiding motorists with some car crime prevention advice.
It is estimated that police will stop more than 10,000 motorists by the end of the festive period.
The crackdown is part of a nationwide initiative led by the Association of Chief Police Officers throughout the month of December.
However, Supt Pullan said although there was a focused campaign at this time of the year, the drink-drive message applied on all 365 days of the year.
Supt Pullan said: “Of course, it is recognised that over the festive period there is a greater risk, which is why we are putting extra resources in place throughout the next six weeks.
“But it will not stop there and our efforts will continue throughout the year.”
Anybody with information about drink-drivers should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where they do not have to give their name and could receive a reward.
In urgent cases where it is suspected somebody is driving or about to drive while drunk and thereby putting life at risk, people should dial 999.

• Our photograph shows a motorist being stopped and spoken to by a police officer. Photo submitted.

Roadside breath tests top 600 as drink-drive crackdown begins to bite

MORE than 600 people have been stopped and breathalysed since police launched a Christmas drink-drive crackdown on December 1.
As a result of the checks, 13 drivers were arrested, two of whom were aged under 25 years.
Supt Andy Pullan said: “We are continuing to take a zero tolerance approach to drink-drivers.
“This is not just about the risk of getting caught, it is about the simple fact that if you drink and drive, you are 50 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash - why take the risk?
“Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely.
“The effects can include slower reactions, increased stopping distance, poorer judgement of speed and distance, and reduced field of vision.
“Alcohol also tends to make you feel over-confident and more likely to take risks when driving, which increases the danger to all road users, including yourself.”
National figures show that motorists who drive at twice over the current legal limit of 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood are at least 50 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash, compared to a driver who has not been drinking.

Dulverton police team up with Devon and Cornwall officers to catch anti-social drivers

POLICE in Dulverton teamed up with their Devon and Cornwall colleagues in Bampton for a weekend of relentless activity to crack down on anti-social driving.
Operation Dodge was in response to a recent rise in reports of anti-social driving in and around the Dulverton, Tiverton, and Bampton areas.
The operation, which was carried out on Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23, focussed on anti-social driving, speeding, and drink drivers.
Officers gave advice to local motorists as well as using powers under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act.
Section 59 is an effecting tool for ensuring anybody driving without the expected care and attention can receive a warning notice which applies to both the driver and the vehicle and lasts for 12 months.
If, in this time, a second incident occurs - involving the driver or the vehicle - police will seize the vehicle and may prosecute the driver.
Dulverton Neighbourhood Police team Sgt Andy Whysall, said: “Operation Dodge was an excellent example of multi-agency working at its best.
“Avon and Somerset Constabulary joined forces with Devon and Cornwall to tackle the growing issue of anti-social driving across the border.
“We were able to collate and share valuable intelligence and together we hope that we were able to raise awareness of the consequences of committing driving-related offences.
“We would like to encourage local residents to continue to report any incidents of anti-social driving in their neighbourhood by calling their Safer Stronger neighbourhood policing team on 0845 456 7000.
“The message is clear - anybody driving in an anti-social manner in and around the Dulverton, Bampton, and Tiverton areas can expect to receive a fixed penalty notice or in some cases, their vehicle may be seized.”

• Our photograph shows police stopping and talking to a car driver. Photo by Avon and Somerset Constabulary.