Concerns have been raised over arson attacks in Sidmouth and police have upped patrols. Read this and more news.

ARSON: Concern over a pair of arson attacks on vehicles in Sidmouth in the space of 10 days has seen extra police patrols. The Herald reported how a young family were devastated when a criminal torched their van. A week before, a teenager’s first car was reduced to a fireball by a thieving culprit. Sergeant Andy Turner said a local policing support team and special constabulary have carried out regular patrols since. He urged residents to remain vigilant. “Officers are in the area,” said Sgt Turner. “If you see something out of place, dial 999 and we’ll be able to respond at the time.”

BYES COMPLAINT: A man was taken to hospital after concerned members of the public complained about drunken males sleeping in the Byes recently. Police said officers attended the scene at 3pm and a man was subsequently taken to hospital as he was under the influence of an unknown substance.

ASBO BLIGHT: Elderly Sidmouth residents were upset by anti-social youths who knocked on doors then ran away. Police have launched a special operation to catch the culprits. Officers received complaints from householders in Woolbrook Rise last Friday and Saturday. “Residents in this area are predominantly elderly, and these offences have caused a great deal of upset,” said Sergeant Andy Turner. He appealed for anyone with information on the identity of offenders to contact PCSO Alex Powe by dialling 101.

CRASH: A driver and passengers were injured when two cars collided at the junction of High Street and Exmouth Road in Newton Poppleford at 2.10pm on Saturday, October 8. Police said occupants in one of the vehicles were hurt, but their injuries were not serious.

SLEEPING ROUGH: Sidmouth residents have lodged a number of complaints about people sleeping rough in Connaught Gardens and at the Ham, according to police. Sergeant Andy Turner said officers have been robust in moving people on.

BURGLARY: Building materials were stolen from the site of a partially-constructed dwelling in Salcombe Regis between 5pm last Tuesday, October 4, and 7am on Wednesday, October 5. Contact police with information by dialling 101, crime reference: KS/11/585.

BREAK-IN: A shed was broken into in the Woolbrook Park area of Sidmouth between 10.30am on Tuesday, October 11 and early on Wednesday. Contact police with information by dialling 101, crime reference: KS/11/586.