POLICE in Ivybridge have responded to criticism from ’a minority of people’ over their handling of a recent spate of car crime.

Sergeant Adele Pritchard this week issued a statement aiming to reassure locals police were doing their absolute best to find the people responsible for a spike in the number of thefts from vehicles.

She set out the steps police in the town were taking to combat the problem, and repeated earlier calls for residents to lock their vehicles.

In a recent test carried out by officers, 17 unlocked vehicles were found in just two Ivybridge streets in a short time, and police say the majority of thefts have been from vehicles that were left unsecured. This also makes matters even harder for the force, as thieves do not have to carry any incriminating equipment with them.

However, in recent weeks rumours have circulated that the police know who is responsible for the crimes, but have not apprehended them.

At last week’s town council meeting, deputy mayor Anthony Khong asked neighbourhood beat manager PC Martin Perry whether it was true police had CCTV footage of the culprit. PC Perry clarified that the images only showed people in balaclavas or hoods, with no faces visible.

This week, Sgnt Pritchard said: ’Having taken over the role of neighbourhood sergeant for Ivybridge and Rural during the latter part of 2016, I would like to reassure our communities that Ivybridge and surrounding villages continue to be safe places to live and work. We are very fortunate and privileged to be able to police in this area.

’I am aware of criticism from a minority of people on social media, regarding a perceived lack of action by local police to combat the spate of vehicle crimes that have struck Ivybridge.

’Local officers, including the neighbourhood team, response officers, special constables and CID have been working hard to try and combat the problem and catch the people responsible. The vehicle crimes in Ivybridge have been a primary tasking for officers across South Hams.

’In addition to completing initial crime investigations, our activities have included conducting targeted patrols, providing crime prevention advice, collating information and intelligence, media campaigns, media appeals and more recently our ‘trying car doors’ initiative, among other things.

’We have had plenty of support and activity from other police departments too, which I will not divulge. Ivybridge Town Council have been working with us, which has resulted in more street lights switched back on.

’The most important thing that local residents can do to help resolve the problem and prevent themselves from becoming a victim of crime, is to ensure that vehicles are left secure, with no cash or valuables inside. This will remove the opportunistic element attached to these crimes. The vast majority of thefts reported to us have been from insecure vehicles.’

Sgnt Pritchard added: ’Can I also take this opportunity to thank members of the public for their continued support of Ivybridge Police. We take pride in our area and the community we police in.

’Can I please assure you all that there is nothing we want more than to catch those committing crime in our lovely area.’