Police are continuing to warn residents in Ottery and West Hill about securing sheds and outbuildings after 16 burglaries in the area.

Officers said offenders have forced locks and taken items including gardening and building tools, vehicle parts, bicycles and fuel.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said Ottery St Mary, Whimple, West Hill, Woodbury and Lympstone have been targeted in the recent spate of offences.

PC Rob Poole said: “I would request members of the public who live in rural and semi-rural locations to check their sheds and outbuildings regularly for any sign of trespassing or theft.

“If residents see any suspicious activity, then they should inform the Police.”

A warrant was recently carried out in the Exeter area where large numbers of suspected stolen items were seized.

Two men from the city, aged 24 and 26, were arrested in connection with these offences and later released on police bail until June.

Anyone with information about the burglaries should contact officers on 101, quoting reference KO/13/112.