Crime in Ottery was down in December but police say they will step up patrols at The Flexton after a spate of vandalism in the public toilets.

PC Phil Thomas said there were 19 recorded crimes last month, compared with 23 for the same month last year.

But the constable said: “Damage continues to occur at the public toilet situated at The Flexton.

“There was one occurrence in November, followed by two in December and now a further offence in January. Police will continue to monitor that area on patrols.”

Amongst the other crimes was an assault on a local man at the Hind Street petrol station, for which a man will be tried later this year.

There were two separate thefts at Otter Nurseries in December, but PC Thomas sais in both cases adults have been charged to Magistrates Court for the offences.

A theft from motor vehicle occurred at Cornhill, and an adult family member damaged a dwelling door within the town.

As well as crime being down in December PC Thomas said the cumulative total of offences for the year stands at 177, as opposed to 208 offences for the same period last year.