The downward trend continues as the latest figures for Honiton town show a reduction in the number of crimes over the last month.

PCSO Steve Mingo told a meeting of Honiton Town Council last week that for the period of January 13 to February 10 there were 39 crimes, compared to 60 crimes reported during the same period last year.

He said: “There has been a reduction of 21 crimes – the good trend continues.”

The meeting also heard that there had been no dwelling burglaries. However, there were two burglaries where an attempt was made to gain access into a shed. The other was at break-in at the Tesco petrol station.

Other crime recorded included five shop thefts, nine other types of theft, four incidents of criminal damage, and two drink driving offences. There were seven assaults. However, the council were told the victims and offenders were known to each other in these cases.

Other crimes recorded included two offences of making off without payment at petrol stations.

PCSO Mingo said six crimes have already been detected and more were being investigated. He also said that police recovered a bike, which has been returned to its owner. An individual is due to appear at Exeter Magistrates’ Court charged with the alleged theft offence.