The number of crimes committed in Sidmouth fell from 60 to 50 in August, compared to the same month last year.

The statistics were revealed at a town council meeting on Monday by Sergeant Andy Squires.

Councillors heard offences involving violence with injuries had fallen from seven to four, while violent crimes without injuries had risen from three to eight – although that figure included harassment charges.

The number of house burglaries had risen from two to six, while non-dwelling burglaries had fallen from 17 to two.

Compared to last year’s figures, vehicle offences had halved from four. Shoplifting was down from two to one.

Criminal damage offences had doubled, from six to 12, although three of those incidents involved one car.

Public order offences were up, from three to seven, and crimes recorded for the possession of drugs had fallen from four to two.

Sgt Squires said: “Folk week for us this year was very good. We didn’t have any great problems.”