Seaton Neighbourhood Policing Team and Seaton Town Council have launched a new Beach Hut Watch.

Beach hut users can register their details with the police so they can be contacted to assess and report any damage.

PC Sam Parfett said: “When you think of Seaton, you'll no doubt think of the many brightly coloured beach huts against the beautiful backdrop of Beer Head, and perhaps even a seagull divebombing to steal your food.

“We know how proud owners are of their huts, and we want everyone to be able to enjoy their time by the sea without the worry of waking up to find their hut damaged or broken into.”

Those who join will also be given the opportunity to sign up to Devon & Cornwall Alert, a two-way messaging system where you can share and receive information with the police, and they will receive Neighbourhood Watch stickers and advice around keeping their hut safe.

The scheme is aimed at encouraging and growing a network of responsible beach-goers will act as the eyes and ears of the community.

By joining this scheme you will help our collective efforts to strengthen ourselves against the likelihood of crime and anti-social behaviour on our sea front.

Registration forms can be found at the Tourist Information Centre on The Esplanade in Seaton. Staff there will pass your details on to police.

Officers will also be signing up beach hut users during patrols of the sea front, and can often be found parked at Fisherman's Gap, so do please go along and have a chat.

To keep up to date with police initiatives in Seaton and the rest of East Devon please follow the Rural East Devon account on Facebook.