Reported crime in Branscombe more than doubled last year, following a rise in thefts – including a spate of stolen kayaks.
Neighbourhood beat manager PC Richard Jenkins said officers logged 26 incidents for the village during the year, compared to 10 in 2015.
He also reported increases in criminal damage and vehicle offences, as well as incidents of violence with injury, burglary and shoplifting.
PC Jenkins said: “Contained in these figures is the series of thefts of kayaks, where an investigation is still ongoing and a male arrested, and the increase in the incidents of thefts and damage to vehicles.
“Members of the public are reminded not to leave any valuables in their vehicles and, where possible, make it apparent that this is the case.”
In Beer, reported crimes fell from 33 to 24.
PC Jenkins said there was a notable decrease in burglaries of non-dwellings, which dropped from nine to zero last year.
Other incidents logged in Beer during the year included violence with injury, criminal damage, theft, vehicle offences, violence without injury and a possession of drugs.
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