Brixington neighbourhood police team has revealed the following incidents and is appealing for help from the public. Contact the police on 08452 777444, quoting the crime reference.

Officers said the statues were taken from an address at Brittany Road at the start of September.

Police community support officer Chris Ball said: “They are both very distinctive due to the fact that their eyes have been coloured in with a black felt pen.”

Anyone with information about the missing statues is asked to contact the police on 08452 777 444, quoting crime number KE/10/2296.

Shops and businesses in Brixington are being warned by police that vandals have been targeting the area.

Officers at Exmouth said Brixington Fish and Chip shop, in Churchill Road, had graffiti sprayed on the rear of the property.

The police said the tag ‘NKS’ was sprayed in silver/grey paint while a black marker pen was used to deface a wheelie bin with the same tag.

Brixington police community support officer Chris Ball said: “The police are asking all other shops in the area to be aware of this in case it is the start of a spate of crime.”

If anyone has any information relating to this crime, contact Exmouth police on 08452 777 444, quoting crime number KE/10/2354.

Exmouth police have received a report a bogus charity collector has been spotted in Brixington.

Officers said a tall slim man with short cropped hair, wearing dark trousers and an orange luminous vest was spotted collecting charity clothing bags left out for Cancer Research.

The police are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen this man.

Brxington police community support officer Chris Ball said: “He had an accomplice and was driven away in a dark coloured estate vehicle. It appears that this male was not the official collector for these bags.”

Contact the police, quoting crime reference KE/10/2348.

A home in Brixington Lane had its window damaged after stones and mud was thrown at properties.

Police at Exmouth are keen to trace the culprit responsible for chipping a window at the end of August.

Police community support officer Chris Ball said: “If any residents along this road experience any kind of anti-social behaviour of this nature, please call the police to let us know.”

Exmouth police have stepped up late-night patrols in Brixington following a spate of thefts in the area.

Officers have issued crime prevention advice to residents in a bid to crackdown on crime.

Police community support officer Chris Ball said securing tools and equipment, and padlocking bicycles inside garden sheds or garages would help thwart thieves.

The officer said more than 1000 garden sheds were broken into each year in Devon and Cornwall.

PCSO Ball said: “Secure the shed or garage door itself if possible with a good quality anchor device fixed to the floor, preventing the door from being forced open or lifted.

“Also fit other good quality locks the best you can afford to the door, it may help with your security claim later if the worst does happen.

“Take photographs of valuable garden ornaments and equipment and record any serial numbers. If they are stolen, the police can circulate the photographs to dealers who can look out for the property.

• Exmouth police said four men are on police bail after being found in possession of stolen property.

Brixington police are offering free property marking in a bid to thwart thieves targeting homes in the area.

Police community support officer Chris Ball is also encouraging residents to set up Neighbourhood Watch groups.

The officer said he was willing to help anyone interested in setting up a group, or keen to protect their property.

PCSO Ball said marking property with an ultra-violet pen or engraving equipment were ‘sensible measures’ to protecting property.

He said: “It is a proven fact that neighbourhoods covered by a Neighbourhood Watch scheme are less likely to become victims of burglary.

“This is backed by insurance companies who often give up to 20 per cent discount on household insurance policies to members of active Neighbourhood Watch schemes that are registered with the police.

“Watches encourage people to share crime prevention advice and activities, keep an eye on each other’s property and improve home security.

“Building two-way communication with the police helps achieve this.”

If you are interested in starting a watch, or for more information, contact PCSO Chris Ball on 08452 777 444, or call the East Devon Neighbourhood Watch Support Team on (01395) 226156