Reported assaults pushed Sidmouth’s crime figures up last month, compared to September 2015.

PC Simon Blyth said 12 assaults were logged, compared to five in the same period last year.

The month’s crime tally also included one theft of a handbag from Peak Hill car park. PC Blyth said police had identified a group that targets rural beauty spots.

Speaking at Monday’s town council meeting, he said it was ‘heartening’ there was only one ‘distraction’ burglary from a residential property.

PC Blyth urged residents to check the ID of anyone trying to access their homes and said police would rather respond to a false alarm than miss out on catching someone in the act.

Police are turning their attention to issues such as speeding in Sidbury and Sidford.

Councillor Paul Wright took the opportunity to speak out for the valley’s teenagers after a haul of booze confiscated on carnival night was pictured in the Herald.

“The young people of Sidmouth are exemplary,” he told the officer. “Drinking is part of growing up. I was disappointed you gave the impression of a town of drunken youths.”

PC Blyth said none of the youngsters had objected to handing over alcohol and officers wanted to get the message out that underage drinkers were wasting their money – and they would be caught.