OKEHAMPTON police spent a day patrolling the streets last week in a bid to reduce crime, speeding and anti-social behaviour.
The organised patrol, Partners and Communities Together (PACT), came about after residents in the town and surrounding area were asked by the force what their main concerns were.
Sgt Mark Hoar said the day was a great success with much feedback from the public.
'We did a survey and asked 1,000 residents what they were concerned about.
'We got some great responses but the main ones were speeding and anti-social use of motor vehicles, followed closely by dog fouling.
'We had three teams out and about, two of which had speed monitors.
Sgt Hoar said anyone who was caught speeding was offered two choices.
'We gave motorists the choice of either an £80 fine and three penalty points or the option of watching a DVD on the effects of breaking distance and a quiz based on the highway code.
'I can say that 100 per cent of the motorists we stopped opted for the quiz and DVD, and all of them agreed that it had a greater effect on them than the fine would have done.'
PACT is a method which allows the police and their partner agencies to engage with all elements of the community.
Through PACT, the neighbourhood policing team will identify the issues which affect residents.With community and partner agencies, the top three priorities are agreed and action is taken to try and reduce and resolve them.
Sgt Hoar added: 'The day was a big success and great for public education, even those who we didn't stop were made aware.
'We will continue to do these events because it is what the community tell us they want.'