Crackdown as village plagued by car thefts and violence

Things have been tense in a Cornish village plagued by a series of thefts and violence over the past several days with some residents taking matters into their own hands to get their belongings back.

Several residents of the Par area, near St Austell, have been reporting strange activity with numerous items stolen from vehicles. There have even been reports of vigilantes stealing their belongings back after complaints over police action.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police has now issued a statement confirming it is investigating the incidents and has made two arrests in relation to them. A local inspector is also encouraging anyone who has not yet reported such incidents to come forward.

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Inspector Ian Chambers said: “We would like to encourage anyone who has not reported any incidents that have affected them, to do so. We are aware these reports have caused tension within the community, and we would like to reassure people that we have been investigating them, as well as carrying out regular patrols in the Par area.

“If anyone has any information, doorbell or CCTV footage, that will support our ongoing enquiries, please get in touch. We would also urge residents to remove valuables from their vehicles and secure them overnight.”

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A 54-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, burglary, theft from a vehicle and theft from a shop. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

A 47-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of theft, wounding, and burglary. He remains in custody at this time.

If you witnessed any incidents or have any information or dashcam footage that could help with enquiries, you can contact police via our website here or by calling 101 quoting 50240295196.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.