Details of three Teignbridge men feature in a new initiative by Devon and Cornwall Police to combat community crime and anti-social behaviour, writes Nigel Canham.

The Court and Convicted scheme is aimed at reassuring communities that action is being taken to bring offenders to justice and to reduce the impact of anti-social behaviour.

Those convicted and jailed for offences which have the greatest impact on communities, as well as people who have been given anti-social behaviour orders, will have their pictures published on the force's website.

Among the first to be highlighted are Newton Abbot man Arthur De Val, Lustleigh pensioner Frederick Amery and itinerant Anthony Thatcher.

All received indefinite Asbos earlier this year.

Police have denied their actions are intended to name and shame.

Chief Inspector Keith Perkin, who is leading the Court and Convicted campaign, said: 'We know the affect crime and anti-social behaviour can have on a neighbourhood and often people are not aware of the action being taken by the police and other agencies against offenders.

'The point of Court and Convicted is to give people information about who has been given a custodial sentence after committing crime in their community.

'We hope this will reassure them that the police, together with partners, are doing everything possible to make communities stronger and safer.

'It's not just about naming and shaming people involved in crime. It is about showing people what is going on in their community and also illustrating the chance of people becoming a victim of crime is very small.'

According to force statistics, Devon and Cornwall have the third lowest rate of crime in England. The rate of anti-social behaviour is said to have reduced by 3,000 incidents.

Images of convicted offenders will also be circulated by police neighbourhood teams in the areas where criminals have been active.

Chief Inspector Perkin said: 'We want communities to be confident in their local officers and aware of what action they have been involved in.

'Every neighbourhood across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has a dedicated neighbourhood beat team and they will be knocking on a door near you to show what they are doing in your local community.'