Exclusive by Alan Quick

AN EXTENSIVE police search during the morning of Sunday, August 27, resulted in the arrest just after noon, of three male youths on suspicion of burglary of a convenience store at Copplestone, as well as the theft of mopeds and bicycles in other raids.

The youths, all aged 18 and from the Southampton area, were arrested near Crediton Railway Station and the Crediton Tesco store at Wellparks.

It is believed that the youths are three of possibly four youths believed to have been involved in a break-in which occurred at the Central Convenience store and Post Office at Copplestone during the early hours of Sunday morning.

After gaining entry, the youths, took about £2,000 worth of cigarettes and tobacco.

The police search involved officers from across a wide area, as well as local Crediton officers, the Devon and Cornwall Police helicopter and a dog search unit.

The Tarka Line, between Crediton and Newton St Cyres was closed during the search because persons were reported to be on the rail line.

Some trains were delayed or cancelled and the search also involved British Transport Police officers and a Network Rail Response Unit.

Police officers were positioned at both Newton St Cyres and Crediton Railway Stations and many locations in between.

Many rail passengers abandoned their proposed journeys due to the cancelled or delayed trains while others took taxis from Crediton to Exeter.

It is understood eight police cars and many officers were involved in the search and subsequent arrests.

The Central Convenience store and Post Office was able to open to the public later during the morning after police had attended the scene.

The manager at the store declined to comment about the break-in on the day of the incident.

Police are studying CCTV images obtained at the store.

PC Owen Jones, told the “Crediton Courier”: “Three male youths have been arrested on suspicion of burglary at a local convenience store in Copplestone.

“An extensive police search located the youths in the lower Crediton area.”

PC Sarah Stevens, the Neighbourhood Beat Manager for Crediton, added: “During the break-in at the convenience store at Copplestone, more than £2,000 worth of cigarettes and tobacco was taken.

“Three males, all aged 18 and from the Southampton area, were arrested after the extensive search and have been released on police bail.

“A quantity of cigarettes and tobacco has been recovered.

“The youths are also under investigation following two burglaries in the Crediton area on the Saturday night.

“Police recovered at least three stolen mopeds and three bicycles.

“Enquiries are continuing but we would particularly like to hear from anyone who may have seen youths riding mopeds suspiciously in the Crediton and Copplestone areas during the weekend or those who were offered cigarettes or tobacco.

“It is really good news that the mopeds, bicycles and a quantity of cigarettes and tobacco was recovered but we would just like any snippet of information which could help us with our inquiries.

PC Stevens asked that anyone with any information which could help the police with their inquiries into the incident, should please email: [email protected] or telephone using the 101 number and quoting log 385 of August 27.

Alternatively, if you wish to pass on information anonymously, telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.