North Devon

Inspector Pete Sarney

Inspector Pete Sarney – I have been a Police Officer for over 26 years and have worked in two different forces. I began my career in the Metropolitan Police, where I served in a number of stations mainly working in inner London. I then transferred to Devon & Cornwall Constabulary and was fortunate to be posted to North Devon. I have predominately been front line and have experienced a number of different roles. I am now responsible for the policing in North Devon Sector. North Devon Sector covers over 500 square miles and is water bound on one side following the river Taw north of Barnstaple at Ashford to Braunton, around the coast to Croyde, then on to Woolacombe, Ilfracombe, Combe Martin. It continues to Lynton & Lynmouth up to the Avon & Somerset border at County Gate on Exmoor. Then goes across land to Brendon Two Gates, Moles Chamber, Brayford, North Molton, East Anstey, Witheridge, Chulmleigh, Burrington, Atherington, South Molton and West Buckland. The sector comprises of many more villages and hamlets within. There are three police stations in the Sector, one in Ilfracombe, one in Braunton and one in South Molton, with police offices in Lynton, Combe Martin and Woolacombe. The area has a unique and varied landscape including some of the most stunning coastline and beaches in Britain and the wilds of remote Exmoor. Policing demands are also very varied and required to be responsive to identified concerns and needs of the diverse community it serves, with established communities right across the rural areas and the market and coastal towns within the sector. There is also a large transient community due to in the main, the many attractions that North Devon has to offer visitors. Overall crime is reducing and is one of the safest places to live in the country, which is supported by a strong community will to work together to continue to improve the communities and neighbourhoods.