Criminals plunder sheds

HUNDREDS of pounds of equipment was stolen when criminals targeted sheds at Sidmouth hotels this week. The overnight theft of a �400 hedge cutter from a shed at the Victoria Hotel has sparked a police appeal for witnesses. A structure at the Belmont Hotel was also broken into during the rampage, between 4.30pm on Monday and 8am on Tuesday, but nothing was taken. Police said criminals forced the padlocks at both hotels. Anyone with information can contact officers on 08452 777 444 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.