Town arrest after Cornwall crime

POLICE were called to a Sidmouth hotel last weekend following a burglary in Cornwall. Officers received a report last Friday evening at around 9pm from a concerned member of the public who noticed three suspicious looking men staying in the hotel. Earl

POLICE were called to a Sidmouth hotel last weekend following a burglary in Cornwall.

Officers received a report last Friday evening at around 9pm from a concerned member of the public who noticed three "suspicious looking" men staying in the hotel.

Earlier in the day in Stenalees, St Austell, an 88-year-old man was the victim of a distraction burglary.

Three men got into the pensioner's garden by saying they were looking for a ball.

It is alleged two of the men then went into his house and stole some money.

Police are also investigating burglaries that took place in Okehampton, Cullumpton, Paignton and two others in St Austell.

Sergeant Andy Turner, of Sidmouth Police, said: "Five Sidmouth officers who would normally be on duty covering incidents of anti-social behaviour and the late night economy were drawn away from their normal duties to investigate this incident.

"They were on duty until the early hours of the next morning processing evidence. In respect of this a further eight officers were drawn in from neighbouring towns to assist with this. A number of items were served and inquiries are continuing.

"Officers come under criticism from people who say they are visible in the day but not at night. This is another example of officers dealing with alleged serious crimes at night which leads them to other places.