HOLSWORTHY?Police have reported a significant increase in the number of crimes for May.

In a police report, Sgt Pennie Channing explained that the total number of crimes for May was 37 — nearly double last year's amount of 18.

Sgt Channing said: "After a promising start this month the number of burglaries has once again increased significantly."

Alleged incidents for last month, include: 11 burglaries, four attempted burglaries, four assaults (all minor), two criminal damage; six thefts; one fraud, two of shoplifting and one drunk and disorderly.

Many incidents are still under investigation by local officers and by CID at Bideford and Barnstaple. Due to the marked increase in burglaries there has been a co-ordinated response by uniformed, plain clothed and specialist units (dog handler) to provide an increase of both high visibility and more covert policing within the town at the most vulnerable times.

Sgt Channing added: "We still need the public to be vigilant and report any criminal or suspicious activity immediately — please do so via 999 if offenders are suspected as being present.

"We would like to reassure the public that the vast majority of the burglaries have happened within unoccupied premises and that on one occasion when a suspect was confronted by a member of the public — no aggression or violence was offered by the suspect."

PCSO Emma Tomkies is working with the Fire Service to address concerns raised about parking outside Holsworthy Primary School in Great Oak Meadow.