A BUILDING site theft, an assault in Chagford and an increase in burglary feature on this week’s police desk.

• A building site was entered and materials stolen from a site on High Street, North Tawton between 5pm on Monday, January 30 and 7.30pm the following morning.

If you saw anybody on the site or can describe any vehicles seen around the site at those times, contact police via email at [email protected] or call 101, quoting crime reference number CR/007326/17.

• A woman was assaulted by a group of others in The Square, Chagford between 11.20pm and 11.40pm on Sunday, February 5.

The victim was taken to hospital by ambulance for further treatment and it is believed there were a number of other people present who witnessed the attack. If you were present at the time, police would like to hear from you. CR/008860/17.

• Police said there has been an increase in burglary in the area over recent weeks and it would appear this is often preceded by door-to-door type sales activity in the area.

If you have door-to-door salespeople in your street ask questions about who they are and what they are doing.

Take some form of identification (any half professional company will have business cards etc).

If you are still unsure about their legitimacy, call police on 101 and they will be happy to come out and speak to them. Police said it is far better that they attend and check their details than have to support more victims of this personal type of crime.

• Home owners are asked to ensure they take basic crime prevention measures.

These can range from ensuring any gates to drives are closed and lights are installed with timers, costing very little, to alarms and entry systems at the more costly end.

Anything you do will help ensure you are less likely to become a victim. Perhaps — most obviously — don’t invite anyone in.

If you are interested in what they are selling and they are a genuine company, they will send a salesperson to see you.

The people knocking on your door are paid to generate interest, not to look at what is inside.

• There has been a significant increase in shoplifting in Okehampton over recent weeks and shoppers are being asked to remain vigilant while in the town and help local businesses.

If you see somebody acting suspiciously please make shop staff aware so they can intervene.

Most of those responsible would appear to be local, prolific shoplifters and shopkeepers would welcome any help you can give.