The police are keen to trace the culprit who last month tried to break into the East Budleigh community shop.

Community police officer PC Simon Evans said the offender tried to gain entry to the premises by breaking the front door glass sometime between August 15 and the following day.

The police are appealing for anyone who may have seen or heard someone acting suspiciously in the area to get in touch.

PC Evans said: “A brick was used to smash the glass on the front door. It would appear that the lock was also tampered with. No entry was gained.”

If you have information to help the police, contact PC Evans on 08452 777444, quoting crime reference KE/11/2180.