BUDE-STRATTON Town Councillors heard an update from the town’s neighbourhood beat manager at their most recent full council meeting on Thursday, November 1.

PC Stephen South, neighbourhood beat manager for Bude, was in attendance at the Bude-Stratton Town Council meeting on November 1, where he was able to update councillors and members of the public present with the latest on crime and anti-social behaviour in the local area.

He explained that the local priorities for the Bude neighbourhood team (NHT) are curbing anti-social behaviour towards Bude-Stratton Town Council’s staff and property, preventing danger to and anti-social behaviour from children riding bikes in the dark around the town centre, as well as the risks of a new drug that seems to have made an appearance in the area.

PC South started by saying: “Bude police NHT are working with Bude-Stratton Town Council to curb the anti-social behaviour towards their staff and property. At present, a number of young persons have been spoken to and police are continuing to work with Bude-Stratton Town Council and with the young persons to stop this behaviour.”

The meeting heard that the town has fully operational CCTV coverage, along with town council CCTV, in order to capture any offences.

Another concern with the team is the number of young people causing anti-social behaviour while riding bikes in and around Bude. PC South said: “Bude NHT have been speaking to the children who have been riding their bikes in the dark around Bude town centre, giving them advice on lighting in the winter months and at night.

“In the main, most of the children have responded by placing lights on their bikes when riding in Bude. For those who don’t and, or, continue to cause anti-social behaviour with their bikes, then positive action will be taken, which may also involve the seizure of these bikes under anti-social behaviour legislation. Police are hoping this will not be the case, but have warned the children over previous weeks that this may happen.”

Also mentioned at the meeting was an emerging concern across the east Cornwall area, including Bude, Launceston, Camelford and Callington. It is thought the use of controlled drugs Xanax and Ketemine, both class C, has been apparent.

“Local police are concerned at the apparent prevalence of these drugs within Bude, and our sector, and in particular, the use amongst teenagers,” PC South said. “It is dangerous and any parent who has any concerns with regard to their child or any individual who may be able to assist us in identifying those responsible for dealing these drugs are encouraged to contact Devon and Cornwall Police.”

Alternatively, people can also contact ‘Crimestoppers’ anonymously.