LATEST police statistics have revealed the level of crime in Topsham and Countess Wear has increased. The average number of crimes in the area, based on incidents for February, March and April, has jumped by nearly 13 per cent compared to the same period

LATEST police statistics have revealed the level of crime in Topsham and Countess Wear has increased.

The average number of crimes in the area, based on incidents for February, March and April, has jumped by nearly 13 per cent compared to the same period twelve months ago.

It is the first occasion in three quarters, the period in which figures are calculated, that there has been a rise in the level of incidents.

The amount of burglaries has decreased with a total of nine incidents in the three months.

It is expected there will be an increase for the next set of quarterly figures after a string of burglaries in Topsham last month.

More than �1000-worth of damage was caused and an array of belongings stolen after a house in Newcourt Road was broken into by thieves.

Bank cards, a camera, �35 in cash, €50 euros, a luggage case containing a purse and gift vouchers, were all taken from the house sometime between 8.15am and 5.15pm on Tuesday, May 11.

Jewellery, including two necklaces, three rings, a bangle and brooch were also stolen.

Entry was gained into the property by forcing open a bay window at the rear of the building.

Both Weekes Estates Agents and Devonshire Mortgage Consultants, in Fore Street, were burgled the following day, on Wednesday, May 12.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall police said they were investigating the possibility that the crimes were linked and committed by the same people.

Anyone with information about the crimes should call Devon and Cornwall police on 08452 777444, quoting the following crime reference numbers: DE/10/4783 for the Newcourt Road burglary; DE/10/4806 for the Weekes Estates Agents incident and DE/10/4807 for the Devonshire Mortgage Consultants break-in.

The amount of robberies has increased compared with the same three month period last year - as has the level of vehicle crimes, violence and anti-social behaviour.

There were a total of 80 anti-social behaviour incidents in the Topsham and Countess Wear policing ward.