THE discovery of a safe in a Sidmouth country lane has been linked to a series of late-night raids in the town.

THE discovery of a safe in a Sidmouth country lane has been linked to a series of late night raids in the town.

The empty safe, which had been cut open, was found earlier this month in Higher Greenway Lane.

Police have linked the safe to a theft from Putts Corner National Caravan Park and re-issued an appeal for information.

The Herald reported in May how detectives launched an investigation following five Sidmouth burglaries in one night, and a string of raids across Devon and Cornwall.

The spate of offences all happened in the early hours of Wednesday, May 26, and an unknown quantity of cash was stolen.

Thieves targeted Sidmouth’s Putts Corner caravan park, Holmesley Nursing Home, Radway Cinema, Mount Pleasant Hotel and Oakdown Caravan Park.

The incidents were linked to a burglary at Sidmouth Nursing Home in April, as well as thefts in Seaton, North and South Devon and Cornwall.

Investigators believed a large criminal gang targeted rural premises, such as nursing homes and pubs, taking cash and cigarettes. A police spokesperson said in May: “The offenders, we believe, come from outside the force area and are travelling criminals.”

It is thought thousands of pounds were stolen during the burglaries, which began in April and stretch into double figures.

Anyone with information can contact police on 08452 777444, crime reference: KS/10/244.