A spate of thefts and break-ins has added to a slight rise in crime for Ottery in September.

Police reported a total of 20 incidents, compared to 18 for the same month last year, and are advising residents to be vigilant following a series of recent thefts – particularly in rural areas.

Alfington Stores was broken into by thieves, who kicked in the door and ransacked the premises before making off with two cans of Lilt.

Officers are working on identifying the culprits with the help of CCTV.

Within the month, six vehicles were targeted by thieves in Ottery and West Hill, who tampered with fuel tanks and stole petrol from cars parked overnight.

In addition, a generator was stolen from the building site opposite The King’s School and two sheds at the front of a West Hill property suffered damage when locks were forced open and eight koi carp were stolen from a pond.

Police reported two incidents in Higher Metcombe, where barn doors were unscrewed, but nothing was taken and another in which a can of petrol was taken from a garage.

Other thefts included contents taken from a bag left on a car roof and an unsecured bicycle, which was taken from Sainsbury’s and later reportedly returned with inferior parts.

Parking cones were also stolen from Downs Motors, in Mill Street.

Police are appealing for information after a window in Paternoster Row was broken by stone pellets, believed to have been fired by a catapult.

Anyone who has witnessed any incidents or has any information is advised to contact Ottery’s neighbourhood police team by dialling 101.