Lynton Police

02/04/2026

Award-winning PCSO joins police in Lynton

Last week, Alison Mercer joined the Lynton Neighbourhood Policing team as a fully qualified Police Community Support Officer, having recently been awarded ‘highest professional standard’.

Police Community Support Officers support the work of other policing teams across Devon & Cornwall Police by providing a visible presence on the streets. They build valuable relationships within the community and work to prevent crime, and to tackle disorder and anti-social behaviour; improving the quality of life for people living in local communities.

Alison joined Devon & Cornwall Police as an Enquiry Officer back in 2023 and moved across to a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) role on 5 January 2026, completing her training on 27 March.

PCSO Mercer said, “I moved to Lynton around eight years ago and spent the last two years working in the Public Enquiry Office in Ilfracombe.

“Over time, I learnt more about policing and found myself wanting a more active role, where I could make a real difference in my community.

“The experience I gained working as an Enquiry Officer undoubtedly helped me to build a strong understanding of the varied nature of policing and has allowed me to step into my new role with confidence and compassion.

“It means a lot to me that I can be the friendly, reassuring face that people living in Lynton can come and speak to about any concerns they have, and I look forward to building stronger relationships with people living in and working in the area.”

PCSO Alison Mercer was recently recognised for her dedication and professionalism, which was observed by tutors as she completed her 12-week training course and led to an award for ‘highest professionalism standard’.

The award was presented by Chief Constable James Vaughan, Inspector Joey Lester and Sergeant Robert Brown at the Devon & Cornwall Police passing out ceremony on 27 March.

Insp. Lester added, “It’s great to have Alison on board and I’m so proud of her dedication to her role which has shone through from the very start of her career in policing.

“Most officers and staff members working in North Devon also live on the patch, which creates a strong ‘team’ dynamic that demonstrates how passionate we all are about serving and protecting our communities.

“I’d like to remind our communities that your local policing teams are here to help. Please stop and have a chat with our officers and discuss any concerns you may have. The more we know, the better we can deal with problems that affect you and the area you live in.”

People are encouraged to report concerns to police by speaking to officers, filling in a reporting form on the force website or by calling 101.

11/03/2026

LATEST NEWS | Introducing new neighbourhood policing Inspector, Joey Lester.

Last month, Inspector Joey Lester stepped into her new role and will lead teams in South Molton, Lynton, Ilfracombe and Braunton.

She will be using a variety of policing tactics - including increased proactive patrols, utilising plain-clothed officers, working with partner organisations and empowering communities through education - to tackle new policing priorities set for the area.

Insp. Lester’s priorities have been carefully outlines to respond to the needs of communities in North Devon, and include:
• Addressing anti-social behaviour and persistent low-level offending in town centres.
• Tackling the supply, misuse and possession of drugs and controlled substances
• Reducing violence against women and girls
• Building stronger relationships with rural communities to tackle rural crime
• Working with the Road Casualty Reduction team and Vision Zero South West to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on roads in North Devon
• Increasing police visibility and public engagement events in areas without an accessible public enquiry office

Insp. Joey Lester said, “I believe strong relationships with our communities are key in achieving successful outcomes and I know the previous Inspector – Rich Preston – worked tirelessly to build strong relationships between police and people living in North Devon. This is something I admire and am determined to continue.

“Having spent time in many different areas of policing, I have built a strong understanding of policing and the challenges we face, and have adjusted our policing priorities to ensure policing is not only visible, but genuinely connected to the people it serves.

“We are committed to keeping our communities safe and ask that any concerns are reported to us. As always, please call 999 in an emergency. Otherwise, information can be shared with us by filling in a form on our website or calling 101.”

Read more about Joey's policing experience and her priorities for the area, here: https://orlo.uk/latest-news_Xs7jY

27/01/2026

❗️TRAVEL GUIDANCE | Storm Chandra is bringing rain, wind and flooding across Devon and Cornwall this evening.

If you are travelling on the roads overnight or in the morning, please check the latest travel information before doing so.

We are starting to see some roads become flooded and impassable and this is only likely to increase overnight.

If you know the roads you usually use are likely to flood – please avoid them. Do not attempt to drive through flood water.

If you are using the roads, please drive with caution and care, drive to the conditions and allow plenty of time for your journey. You should also increase your distance from other vehicles and stay attentive to your surroundings.

Your safety and the safety of others depend on responsible driving during adverse weather conditions.

There are many places to check information on the roads including - https://orlo.uk/eVbMi your local news, the map app on your phone and other local traffic platforms.

Thank you and stay safe.

09/12/2025

Can you help us?

Gaining quick access to a property can be vital for saving lives or securing evidence...

Our Specialist Operations team are looking for any unwanted metal roller shutter doors, sheets of metal or metal skinned doors, which they'll use to practice door-breaching techniques.

The team would also be grateful for any unwanted toughened plastic doors.

If you think you may be able to help, please get in touch with Matt by emailing [email protected].

If the door meets our needs, we’ll arrange to collect it from you.

Thank you!

15/09/2025

Superintendent Emma Butler-Jones has returned to the area, leading local teams in North and West Devon.

Emma stepped into her new role as Commander for North and West Devon in May this year and has since outlined her priorities for the area, which are centred around responding to the needs of local communities.

Supt. Butler-Jones said, “Having spent most of my policing career working in North and West Devon, I have a deep understanding of the patch and the challenges we face.

“I live in Bideford with my husband, who is a local Roads Policing Sergeant; our four-year-old son and our dog. We feel very fortunate to live in such a beautiful area of the county and I’m pleased to be back working here too.

“Most officers and staff members working in North and West Devon also live on the patch, which means we are all truly passionate about serving and protecting our communities.”

Emma is committed to supporting officers to be community-led; to focus on investigative standards by delivering the best outcomes for victims through the criminal justice system and, most importantly, working to prevent crime; to stop future victims and to prevent re-offending.

To read the full story, visit: https://orlo.uk/VzN5X

03/07/2025

Seen something suspicious? You can report suspected heritage crime or incidents of anti-social behaviour to us on the force website or by calling 101.

As always, if a crime is in progress, or an emergency response is required, dial 999.

20/06/2025

We are currently recruiting for Detention Officers. Want to find out more? Join our awareness event on Thursday 26 June at 6pm.

https://orlo.uk/9CMLe

17/04/2025

Please follow this advice from PC Julian Fry -
and make sure you have your dog under close control at all times, and always on a lead around sheep and other livestock.

18/03/2025

If you’re looking to gain confidence and develop a career in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where you can make a difference in your community, policing could be for you!

To learn more about the role or to apply, visit: https://orlo.uk/pcso-recruitment_Hn4VM

We’re looking for Police Community Support Officers to join us!

PCSOs play a vital role in policing. No two days are ever the same. If you’re over 18, have great communication skills and want to make a difference in your community, this could be the role for you!

To learn more, or to , visit: https://recruitment.devon-cornwall.police.uk/devon-cornwall-police-careers/dc-police-staff/dc-pcso/

16/08/2024

👮 Join us on Thursday, 22 August at 5:30pm at our online awareness event for those interested in learning more about the role of Police Community Support Officer at Devon & Cornwall Police.

👮🏼‍♀️ Work closely with Police Officers as part of the Neighbourhood Policing Team, providing a highly visible and reassuring presence across the region.

👮🏽‍♂️ Click the link below for more information and to register for the free event.

https://orlo.uk/PCSO_lgOkD

18/07/2024

Can you help our Specialist Operations team source some equipment for their training? 🚨

Getting quick access to a property can be vital for saving lives or securing evidence. They need unwanted composite or metal front doors, so they can practice door breaching techniques. These doors are significantly tougher than uPVC doors and require a different approach.

If you have a suitable door, please get in touch with Matt, by emailing: [email protected] 📩

If it meets our needs, we’ll arrange to come and collect it from you. Thank you 🙂

07/01/2024

Lynton Police are reminding motorists to ‘think safety’ before setting out on the roads during the winter months.

Beware of icy conditions particularly during early mornings. Consider leaving a little more time for travelling so you can take extra care. Rushing your journey can lead to errors of judgement which can easily lead to a serious crash.

As well as motorists taking responsibility for their driving, police also urge them to check the condition of their vehicle. Basic checks are necessary on things such as tyres, wipers and lights.

Before setting off, drivers are also advised to make sure the windscreen is fully cleared, and headlights are on if they are required.

The five main causes of serious injuries and deaths on the region’s roads, known as the ‘fatal five’, are -
1. Excessive or inappropriate speed.
2. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
3. Not wearing a seat belt.
4. Driver distractions, such as using mobile devices.
5. Carless and inconsiderate driving.

On top of the “Fatal five” at this time of year, we also have the weather to worry about.
“Think Safety” at all times