A spate of break-ins in West Hill was among 17 crimes recorded in Ottery last month.

In total, reported incidents were down compared to the 20 in September 2015

This year’s cumulative figure stands at 131 crimes.

Police reported three incidents in West Hill - one at a property where access had been gained through a rear window and an untidy search had taken place; another where a pair of cufflinks was stolen; and the third was the theft of a Moto Cross cycle from a garage after its electric door was forced.

The statistic also included an incident at the recycling centre, where three males climbed over a six-foot gate and stole a gas cylinder and sack truck. Police said they have CCTV footage of the incidents.

There were reports of more damage at the former Salston Manor Hotel, with damage to windows and a Grade II listed door.

Other reported incidents included two assaults, damage to a car tyre, use of threatening behaviour to cause harm, and the unauthorised taking of a motorbike, which was later recovered.

Police said criminal damage to a window was also reported and added the offender had returned to the property to apologise and paid for the damage to be repaired.

There were further incidents of damage to a vehicle; possession of a shotgun without a certificate - which officers seized - and one report of the possession of cannabis, where the person was issued with a warning.

Police also reported three incidents of failure to provide a specimen for analysis, the possession of amphetamines and the assault of an officer.