THERE was a sharp rise in the number of violent crimes and burglaries in Sidmouth in May, and a large drop in the number of criminal damage incidents.

THERE was a sharp rise in the number of violent crimes and burglaries in Sidmouth in May, and a large drop in the number of criminal damage incidents. At Monday's Sidmouth Town Council meeting, clerk Trina Jarrett reported police attended 242 incidents during the month, including eight crimes of violence; a rise of six, an increase by five to seven house burglaries and two criminal damage crimes, down seven. There were also two non-dwelling burglaries, 12 thefts; down by four and 10 thefts from or damage to cars or bicycles.