Officers are appealing for help in catching culprits

Police are warning residents to be vigilant following a spate of rural thefts around Ottery St Mary.

Thieves have taken a haul of items from barns, garages and sheds over the last few weeks, including power tools, animal feed and bedding, fencing, petrol and Koi carp.

A red compressor was stolen from a shed at a property in Higher Spring Gardens, Ottery, on Tuesday, September 22, and officers are asking anyone with information to get in touch, quoting the reference: CR/066429/15.

There were two reported incidents on Thursday, September 24, including a break-in at a Higher Metcombe barn between 1pm and 3pm, where nothing was taken (CR/066883/15).

On the same night, two sheds were targeted by thieves in Lower Broad Oak Road, West Hill, and eight Koi carp were taken from a pond (CR/066818/15).

Various horse-related items, including brushes and fencing were stolen during a break-in overnight on Wednesday, September 30, in Allercombe, Rockbeare (CR/068286/15).

A number of other properties have also been broken into and police are appealing for witnesses or information.

PC Victoria Dixon, of Ottery’s neighbourhood team, said: “Following the recent spate of thefts, we are warning residents to be on the lookout for unusual activity and to regularly check their property.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who has any information that could assist with our enquiries, particularly if any of the stolen items have been offered for sale.”

Residents are reminded to mark their belongings with their house details so stolen property can be returned if it is recovered following a theft.

If high value items are stored in outbuildings, owners are advised to consider investing in a shed alarm.

Further advice can be found by visiting: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/crime-prevention/your-rural-community/ and https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/crime-prevention/your-home/shed-garage-security/

Anyone who has any information about these incidents, or others in the area, or witnesses of any suspicious activity, is asked to call 101 or email 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk quoting the relevant crime number.

Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or e-mailing crimestoppers-uk.org.