In a response to the 'disproportionate' number of serious accidents on the A38 in South East Cornwall, extra police patrols were assigned throughout October.

In addition to the more common traffic offences like mobile phone use, no seat belts and excessive speed, officers utilised ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) to target active criminals using the road network.

As a result 26 people were prosecuted for offences, three vehicles were issued with prohibitions due to being in poor condition and three more were seized at the roadside for no insurance and licensing breaches. A total of £700 in fixed penalties were issued for excess weight and tachograph offences.

Officers also assisted a suicidal person on the Tamar Bridge, removing them to a place of safety, and a group of people were arrested on suspicion of shoplifting following reports of thefts from shops around South East Cornwall and Plymouth.

Patrols will continue along this route with several high visibility operations taking place this month.

Inspector Dan Ivey, responsible for policing across South East Cornwall, said: 'We have sought to utilise additional specialist resources based in Plymouth and Bodmin to support local officers in educating and where appropriate enforcing the law along this route.

'Our local campaign will continue into this month.'