THE foot and mouth crisis is bringing extra pressure to West Devon's police officers — more officers are being brought into the area every day to cover the crisis.
Okehampton-based Sergeant Brendan Brookshaw is co-ordinating West Devon police in regard to foot and mouth issues.
He said 80 officers a day are being drafted in from Torbay, South Hams and Teignbridge to cope with the situation.
'Staff at Tavistock and Okehampton have had to revert to a 12-hour shift pattern which frees up officers throughout a 24-hour period,' said Sgt Brookshaw.
In addition to policing properties where foot and mouth disease has been confirmed, the force is enforcing the ban on recreational use of moorland, footpaths and farmland.
'Officers have been briefed to keep an eye out and to deal with the matter very firmly,' said Sgt Brookshaw.
'Obviously at this time West Devon police want to support the farmers — it's devastating economically for them so we will take very firm action in relation to any breaches.'
Last week Devon County Council issued a declaration barring access to all pathways, cycleways and bridlepaths in rural areas.
The maximum fine which can be imposed for ignoring the order is £5,000.
And Dartmoor National Park Authority is now a no-go area for recreational use for the first time in its history.
Bill Cann, DNPA chairman, said: 'The response to the authority's action in closing all access and common land to the public has been very heartening.
'The authority's ranger service reports very few incidents where the advice and legal restrictions have been ignored, and landowners and commoners welcomed the speed with which action was taken.'