POLICE in Dawlish are carrying out plain clothes stop and searches in the town in a bid to tackle drug dealing.

Officers have targeted men riding e-scooters and bikes and found a small quantity of cannabis on one youth.

Details of police activity in and around the town have been given to members of the town council.

Among the incidents has been a referral to the Counter Terrorism Prevent programme for what police describe as a ‘child displaying extremist ideology’.

No further detail was given.

However, they have managed to stop two cases of so-called romance fraud with what they say was ‘positive safeguarding’.

Three addresses in Dawlish are being checked regularly in the are for potential cuckooing in which vulnerable people are targeted by criminals to take over their home and use it to deal, store or take drugs or other criminal activity.

Community Protection Notices have also been issued by police and Teignbridge Council.

These are legal ways to stop individuals, aged 16 and over, or organisations from committing anti-social behaviour that has a detrimental effect on a community’s quality of life.

Officers have also been working on intelligence about County Lines drugs suppliers ahead of preparing for warrants to be executed.

Local PCSOs have been leading checks on unauthorised encampments of travellers which have happened in Dawlish Warren.

Officers are also planning another Pubs Against Drugs operation which involves local police working with licensed premises to support the public for better nights out, without drugs, just alcohol.

The proactive operation aims to disrupt the use of recreational drugs by deterring people using, carrying or supplying them.