Crime in Sidmouth was down 40 per cent in June compared to the same period last year.

Police officers tackled one assault causing grievous bodily harm and two causing actual bodily harm, and a sexual offence.

They were also called to a burglary from a home and another from a non-dwelling, six thefts, a shoplifting and a theft from a motor vehicle.

There was one case of arson, two of criminal damage to a motor vehicle and six incidents of criminal damage to property.

Also reported were an offence under the Telecommunications Act and someone making off without paying.

The tally was 29, down from 49 last June.