Devon & Cornwall Police

10/09/2025

APPEAL | Detectives have issued a further appeal to the public following a burglary at a museum in Exeter overnight.

We were called at around 5am on Wednesday 10 September to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery on Queen Street.

It is believed that two suspects have forced entry to the premises where a number of items have then been taken.

We understand that around 17 antique pocket watches have been taken along with a flint lock blunderbuss attached to a bayonet.

It is believed the two individuals pictured may be able to help with enquiries. Both were dressed all in black and riding bicycles.

We are aware that identifying the two individuals - thought to be men - is difficult from the pictures, but it is hoped someone may be able to assist.

The two individuals officers would like to identify may speak with Liverpudlian accents.

Pictures of some of the stolen items can be found at the bottom of this release.

Anyone who has information, or footage that may assist us is asked to contact police on 101 or via our website quoting log 64 of 10/09/25.

10/09/2025

APPEAL | Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses after a burglary at a museum in Exeter overnight.

We were called at around 5am on 10 September to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery on Queen Street.

At this time, we believe that two suspects have forced entry to the premises. where a number of items have then been taken.

We understand that around 17 antique pocket watches have been taken along with a flint lock blunderbuss attached to a bayonet.

Detective inspector Paula Trevett said: “Overnight two people have forced entry and taken valuable antique items from the museum.

“Our enquiries are ongoing, but I would encourage anyone with information that they think may be relevant, or if you have seen or heard of the whereabouts of the items taken, please get in touch.

“We are investigating a number of lines of enquiry at this time and the community will see officers carrying out enquiries in the area throughout the day.”

Councillor Philip Bialyk, Leader of Exeter City Council said: “We are deeply saddened by this theft and are working with the police to investigate.

“We take our role as custodians of RAMM's collection very seriously. The gallery has been secured and a thorough review of security is underway.

“Our hope is that the items, which are of great importance to the people of Exeter and Devon, can be recovered.

“The museum will reopen to the public on Thursday 11 September although access to the affected gallery may be limited.”

A scene guard remains in place and officers are making enquiries in the area.

Anyone who has information, or footage that may assist us is asked to contact police on 101 or via our website quoting log 64 of 10/09/25.

10/09/2025

This , we're sharing an important message from our charity partner Samaritans: if you think someone might be suicidal, take action, interrupt their thoughts and show them you care. 💚 To find out how, visit https://orlo.uk/EMjqu

09/09/2025

APPEAL | We are appealing for witnesses and information following a suspected arson at a residential property in Bodmin Road, Plymouth.

Officers were called shortly before 2am on Friday 5 September following a report a bottle containing an accelerant had been thrown at the front window of a flat, causing external damage.

Nobody was in the property at the time.

Officers investigating the incident are appealing to anyone walking or driving in the Bodmin Road area at around the time in question, to get in touch.

We are particularly keen to hear from anyone with relevant footage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact us on 101 or via our website quoting 50250230743

09/09/2025

TRIBUTE | The parents of a man who died following a road traffic collision in Torquay have paid tribute to “a fine young man” who made everyone around him laugh.

Officers were called to Torwood Street, Torquay, at around 5.05pm on Sunday 31 August to reports of the collision involving a black Audi Q5, a blue Suzuki SV 650 motorcycle and a grey Ford Ranger.

Sadly, the motorcycle rider, 24-year-old Ben Rafton, from Southampton but originally of Plymouth, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Ben’s dad Barrie, said: “Ben, from the happy baby you were to the fine young man you grew into.

“The short time you were given in life has been an extraordinary journey filled with a number of adventures.

“Your magnetic personality, your infectious smile and laughter will be missed by many.

“As your dad my heart has been broken and my battle will be difficult beyond words.

“Sleep peacefully my precious youngest son, watch over us and keep us safe. Always in our hearts.”

Ben’s mum Somaya, added: “I can’t describe how much I miss my boy Ben. We spoke every day and FaceTimed pretty much 10 times within that day.

“Even though he didn’t live near me it was like he was down the road. He used to visit me all the time, it was never a chore for him to drive three hours down and up in the same day.

“Where do I start to tell you how amazing he was, not just to me but to everybody he met. He loved his brothers and his dad, he loved his nieces and nephews - he just loved children even though he didn’t have his own.

“I knew if he ever had children he would be the best daddy and would always be there for them through everything. Ben loved life, made me and everyone around him laugh, that was him, he just wanted to make people happy.

“The last messages I had from him was ‘Iove you mum’ which was him more than once a day.

“He was very generous and he would always buy his nieces and nephews ridiculously expensive presents - but Ben loved to do that.

“Ben was a mummy’s boy who just wanted me to be happy. He will be missed and a massive part of me is empty at this moment. I hope in time I will be able to make some sense of this tragedy but at the moment, I can’t even imagine how I will get through today or tomorrow or ever without him.

“Thank you to everybody that has reached out and send me beautiful flowers, messages and have helped me run my business whilst I grieve the loss of my son Ben.”

Following initial enquires into the circumstances of the collision, the Audi driver – a man in his 20s from Plymouth - was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has since been released under investigation.

Anyone with any relevant information and dash-cam footage which may assist the investigation is asked contact police via our website or by calling 101 quoting log 549 of 31st August 2025.

09/09/2025

Today we are celebrating everyone who works in the emergency services as part of .

We'd like to say a huge thank you to all of our emergency services colleagues and the many volunteers who give their time to support communities across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

If you are interested in joining the emergency services family, recruitment is open! Click here for information on joining Devon & Cornwall Police ℹ️ https://orlo.uk/fgJpm

08/09/2025

Rebecca has links to Devon. Please contact our colleagues in Sussex if you have seen her.

We are searching for Rebecca, 38, who is missing from Hassocks.

Rebecca was last seen in Hassocks around 10am on Sunday 7 September and concern is growing for her welfare.

She is described as 5’4”, slim build with shoulder length brown hair, and has a tattoo on her ankle.

Rebecca also has links to Burgess Hill, Horsham, Worthing, Devon and Dorset.

If you see Rebecca or know where she is, please call 999 quoting serial 1359 of 07/09.

08/09/2025

TRIBUTE | The family of “the kindest soul” who tragically died following a single vehicle road traffic collision near Exeter Airport last month has paid a moving tribute to her.

Officers were called at around 12:05pm on Sunday 3 August to reports of the collision involving a Blue BMW 5 Series Saloon on the A30 westbound slip road for Exeter Airport, at Clyst Honiton.

Sadly, as a result of the collision, 31-year-old Emily Witts, from Plymouth, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle was taken to hospital.

Emily’s family said: “On 3 August we lost our lovely Emily in such a tragic way we are struggling to cope with the sudden and massive loss.

“She was the kindest soul, taken from us way too soon. Emily was the sunshine in our lives and made the world a better place with her sparkle.

“If Emily loved you then you certainly knew about it, she would help anyone that needed it, anytime, anywhere. She rescued plants, cats and fish that were dying or unwell, nursing them back to health and never giving up on any living thing that she welcomed into her home.

“She cared for everyone, and Emily was magic, mystical and so, so strong, brave, kind and genuine.

“She was the most wonderful person we had, and she was the glue that held people together, the hole in our lives is massive.

“Emily is so dearly missed, we love you to the moon and back Emily”.

08/09/2025

APPEAL | We are seeking the public’s help identifying this woman in relation to a report of racially aggravated public order in Plymouth.

It was reported a number of males were subjected to racial abuse in a commercial premises on Ebrington Street on the evening of Friday 5 September.

It is believed the woman pictured may be able to help with enquiries.

Anybody able to assist is asked to call 101 or visit our website quoting log 965 of 5 September.

06/09/2025

☀️What a beautiful day for the Rugby World Cup 🏈

Our officers are out & about at Exeter’s Sandy Park, engaging with fans and ensuring everyone has an unforgettable experience.

It’s amazing to see the passion and camaraderie of supporters from around the world! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇫🇯🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇨🇦

Remember to stay safe, cheer loudly, and respect each other—let’s make this Rugby World Cup a fantastic celebration together! 🙌🌍

06/09/2025

The Women’s World Cup Rugby continues this weekend - we hope you enjoy the tournament! 🏉

Whether you’re on the field or in the stands, at home or in the pub, please play it safe – don’t drink/drug drive.

Please – keep yourself and others safe on the roads.

06/09/2025

With Scotland set to take on Canada, and Wales against Fiji today at Exeter Sandy Park, we’re looking forward to seeing lots of Rugby World Cup fans enjoying the game at the stadium and across Exeter 🏉

Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Report anything that doesn’t feel right to a steward or online at https://act.campaign.gov.uk

In an emergency call 999.