POLICE are urging tourists visiting East Devon and other parts of Devon and Cornwall to take safety precautions during their stay.

POLICE are urging tourists visiting East Devon and other parts of Devon and Cornwall to take safety precautions during their stay.

Devon & Somerset Police have distributed thousands of holiday safety packs to accommodation and leisure providers across the region this summer.

The packs contain leaflets and posters with simple crime prevention advice to ensure holidaymakers enjoy their stay.

Bob Bunney, crime reduction advisor, said: "We want everyone who visits the South West to enjoy their time here and look forward to coming back again."

By taking the steps suggested, he said visitors could keep property safe and have peace of mind.

"Our region is one of the safest places to live and visit but in the unlikely event that visitors become a victim of crime or witness a crime we would urge them to contact police on 08452 777 444 or, in the event of an emergency, use 999," he said.

His top three tips are:

Don't leave valuables in your car, keep your mobile phone in a safe place and don't leave bags unattended.

Other safety tips are:

Stick to well-lit paths and avoid walking alone at night, secure your vehicle/caravan/tent/room and do not leave any valuables on display, use personal safes provided where possible, never drink and drive and be aware of speed limits and restrictions.