DEVON and Cornwall Police and in particular, a number of Crediton officers, have been praised for their actions and swift response to stop an attempted theft of a large quantity of high value alcohol from the Crediton Tesco superstore.

At about 4.20pm on Friday, March 9, police were called to the Tesco store at Wellparks, following a report that a team of shoplifters were at the store.

One of four males had, apparently, filled a trolley with alcohol while the other three kept a look out.

They are reported to have left the store with the trolley but were chased by staff.

The males ran towards the Downes Crediton golf course.

Crediton Police Sergeant and Neighbourhood Team Leader, Dave MacFadden, said Police Community Support Officer Dave Pilling was the first officer at the scene, quickly followed by Special Constable Bob Webb.

He explained: "PCSO Pilling remained at the scene and spoke to the reporting person, gathering information which was passed to other officers so they could assist in the search for the suspects.

"Information was passed that they had parked their vehicle in the "Red Deer" car park.

"SC Webb went to that location and located their vehicle.

"His checks on the vehicle revealed that it was used by a gang of travelling criminals from out of our own force area.

"He remained with the vehicle and shortly afterwards saw four suspects approaching and attempted to detain them.

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