HOLSWORTHY Police announced that they are still on target for achieving their overall crime reduction target for 2010 at the town council meeting on Wednesday, December 1, despite there being an increase on November 2009's figures.

There were 18 reported crimes reported during November — double the amount detailed for the month last year.

The alleged crimes included: Four criminal damages to motor vehicles; one theft of a motor vehicle; one disorder and linked harassment (non-domestic); three burglaries (non-dwellings); two shop liftings; two minor thefts; one theft from a motor vehicle; one taking a motor vehicle without consent; one damage to property (five offences detected so far).

A possible suspect for the 'Phantom Fouler' has also been identified, and will now be interviewed by police and a Torridge District Council Environmental Officer.

Police are reported that the recent carnival evening having been a successful event. Extra officers and specials were drafted in from Torridge and North Devon, with the town's pubs visited the day before carnival by PS Channing and the North Devon Licencing Officer.

Following the carnival's conclusion, an increased police presence remained outside the busiest pubs on Fore Street, with officers and door staff working well together to minimise disorder and prevent underage drinking. As a result there were no assaults or criminal damage reported. Alcohol was seized from two juveniles earlier on in the evening, but generally the atmosphere was very good.

Leading up to Christmas, it is understood there will be an increased police presence during the evenings along with more visits to licensed premises — this will include the licencing officer from Barnstaple attending again on one occasion.