EXMOUTH detectives are appealing for help tracing an engagement ring stolen from a home in Rosebery Road on bonfire night. Over the last two months, police have warned people in the Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Lympstone areas to lock doors and windows

EXMOUTH detectives are appealing for help tracing an engagement ring stolen from a home in Rosebery Road on bonfire night.

Over the last two months, police have warned people in the Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Lympstone areas to lock doors and windows in a bid to thwart a prolific burglar.

Officers said a number of burglaries have been committed by gaining entry through insecure doors and taking handbags and other smaller items, such as jewellery and cash boxes.

Detective Sergeant Joanne Hall, of Exmouth CID, said: "The ring has a rare hallmark of 'DOM' inscribed inside the band, which makes it instantly recognisable.

"I would urge anyone who either has this ring or knows where it is to get in touch with us.

"I would encourage the community to take basic crime prevention measures such as keeping their properties secured and to report any suspicious activity to police."

The police said a home in Rosebery Road was burgled during the early evening of bonfire night, Thursday, November 5, when a handbag, cash cards and an engagement ring was stolen.

A credit card stolen from the home were later traced to a shop in the town.

Officers searched three separate addresses and seized an amount of what they believe is stolen property.

The police are working to identify the recovered property but are yet to find the stolen engagement ring.

Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who may know its whereabouts.

The missing ring is described as an 18-carat white gold band, holding a round, half-carat diamond in a four claw mount.

It is sized at K 1/2 and has a rare hallmark inscribed on the inner band of 'DOM'.

Anyone with information about the ring is asked to contact Exmouth CID on 08452 777444, quoting crime reference number KE/09/3298, or anonymously by ringing Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

l Exmouth CID last week arrested a 31-year-old local man, who was later released on police bail.