OFFICERS and PCSO's from Okehampton Police Station's neighbourhood team recently worked with the town councils of Okehampton, Hatherleigh, North Tawton and Chagford in the Force Day of Action known as Operation Everest.

The police and their partners carried out 'environmental visual audits' to identify new problem areas or emerging trends to formulate solutions and tackle these together.

The work was supported by the civil enforcement officers who spent the day tackling parking issues and working alongside the local PCSO's to share information about repeat offenders and problem locations.

Sgt Lee Nattrass said: 'I am really pleased with the engagement work carried out and it has shown that the communities main concerns are anti-social behaviour, parking and speeding, which we are already tackling.

'Two new issues did get raised and these were dog fouling and littering. Both of these are unacceptable and really lower the aesthetics of our towns and villages. We will work for the next two months to educate people about the impact of this behaviour and then start to prosecute repeat offenders.'

Sgt Nattrass added: 'I would like to remind everybody to keep their garden equipment and tools out of site, and all sheds and barns locked and secure, as this is the time of year when we have numerous thefts of such items. All of these can be avoided by being a little but more vigilant in securing property. If you think someone is acting suspiciously near your property during the night, then please do not hesitate to contact us.

'However, you may be surprised to find it is your local officers who will be out and about lurking in the shadows, in uniform and in plain clothes. We promise to only jump out on you if you are up to no good.'