Warning following thefts in East Devon

Residents in East Devon are being warned to be vigilant after a series of thefts have been reported to police over the last few weeks.

Thieves have entered barns, garages and sheds in rural areas, surrounding Ottery St Mary, by removing the hinges or the padlocks and stolen items from inside including power tools, animal feed, animal bedding, fencing, petrol and small items.

During one burglary, a red compressor was taken from a shed at a property in Higher Spring Gardens, Ottery St Mary, on Tuesday 22 September. (CR/066429/15)

A barn was broken into in Higher Metcombe on Thursday 24 September, sometime between 1pm and 3pm, however nothing was stolen. (CR/066883/15)

Overnight on Thursday 24 September, two sheds were targeted by thieves on Lower Broad Oak Road, West Hill. Fish, including eight Koi Carp, were taken from a pond during this burglary. (CR/066818/15)

Thieves broke into a stable block in Allercombe, Rockbeare, overnight on Wednesday 30 September and took various horse-related items including brushes and fencing. (CR/068286/15)

A number of other properties have also been broken into and officers are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.

PC Victoria Dixon, based at Ottery St Mary, said: “Following the recent spate of thefts, we are warning residents to be on the lookout for unusual activity and to regularly check their property.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who has any information that could assist with our enquiries, particularly if any of the stolen items have been offered for sale.”

Residents are reminded to mark their belongings with their house details so stolen property can be returned if it is recovered following a theft.

If high value items are stored in outbuildings, owners might want to consider investing in a shed alarm.

Further advice can be found on our website at https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/crime-prevention/your-rural-community/ and https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/crime-prevention/your-home/shed-gar...

Anyone who has any information about these incidents or any others in the area, or who sees any suspicious activity, is asked to call 101 or email 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk quoting the relevant crime number.

Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111, or via crimestoppers-uk.org.