Detection rates high in November as police collar eight suspects

Crime figures were down and detection rates were high in the Seaton rural policing division last month.

Compared to November 2012, the number of incidents dealt with by officers was down from 15 to 11 this year – a 27 per cent drop.

It was also a 21 per cent decrease on the number of cases investigated in October and considerably lower than the monthly average of 16 crimes since 2004.

Community beat officer PC Steve Speariett said: “Of the 11 offences, suspects have been identified in eight of these crimes. Opportunistic thefts and minor criminal damage continue to be an issue and we therefore ask the community to be vigilant in reporting suspicious behaviour and ensure property is not left on display or unattended.

“It was disappointing to see another arrest for drink driving, again it was a local middle age man who was arrested after he managed to drive his car into the brook in Fore Street, Beer.

“We are all well aware of the consequences and serious injuries a vehicle can cause and it was fortunate the vehicle did not hit anybody.”