Police appeal after local crime spree

Detectives are urging residents to check doorbell and CCTV footage, and take extra security precautions, after another spate of burglaries and thefts in Devon including at Chulmleigh, Rackenford and South Molton.

Officers now believe five recent break-ins may be linked to 15 burglary reports before Christmas. The latest offences took place between February 19th and March 11th.

Detective Inspector Guy Biggar said, “Sadly we’ve seen a continuation in this series of crimes, and I would urge the public to be extra vigilant securing both houses and vehicles. If you have seen any suspicious behaviour or have been a victim of an offence and not yet reported it, please get in touch with us (crime number 50240040188).”

Several properties were broken into including one at South Molton Street in Chulmleigh, Fulford Drive in Cullompton, plus Rackenford, Thorverton, Exeter and Sidmouth. Officers say intruders damaged door locks, reached through a cat flap or got in via insecure doors and windows. Once inside they stole car keys, bank cards and the cars themselves. Of the eight cars taken in the five most recent burglaries, police say four have since been recovered.

“We would ask residents to ensure that their homes are secure by keeping their doors locked at night and when they leave their property,” added Det Insp Biggar.

South Molton business Baker George had their distinctive green van stolen between 10pm on March 11th and 5am on March 12th. It was found later in the day damaged and stuck in a muddy field, following a social media appeal. Thieves also stole a quad bike, motorcycle and tools from a rural barn at Rackenford a few days before.

In late February, officers from the South Molton Neighbourhood Policing Team carried out an operation with the Roads Policing Unit on the A361 near South Molton. It followed a run of high value caravan thefts, vehicle offences and burglaries. Sergeant Rob Brown said, “We want to provide reassurance to those that live in our towns and villages that we are listening to their concerns and taking action.”

Jobs to do in April

1. Mulch rose and shrub beds with 2-3in of organic matter. This will retain moisture during dry spells, reduce weed build-up and over time improve soil structure.

2. Tie in climbing and rambling roses as near to horizontal as possible. This will restrict sap flow, causing more side-shoots to grow along the stem, and so produce more flowers.

3. Sweet peas can be sown outside this month. Plant out autumn-sown sweet peas that have been raised in pots.

4. Plant out Broad Beans. Seeds which can be sown undercover include celeriac, courgettes, squashes, pumpkins, marrows and leeks.

5. Consider planting shrubs or trees which provide food for birds such as holly, hawthorn, rowan and cotoneaster.

During April we continue potting up thousands of hanging basket and bedding plants every week. Then, when we reach the middle of the month, we turn our attention to making hanging baskets.

If you would like your baskets refilled or wish to order new ones, please get in touch.

Until next month, Jenny Howells

April Opening Times

Monday – Saturday 9-5

Sunday 10-4

Farm Life - spring forward

by Roger Hill

After such a seemingly long and wet winter with incessantly miserable weather, April comes like a breath of fresh air. Helped along with the spring flowers, there is positivity for the exciting days ahead.

This time of year, as the grass growth begins to accelerate, it is an ideal opportunity to turn out cattle from their winter housing. It is always a pleasure to watch them skipping around the fields of North Devon and Exmoor.

Spring sowing of crops is the other main job, but has to be timed to perfection. Too early, when the soil is still cold and wet, can lead to poor germination and even soil compaction. Leave drilling too late, especially with grass re-seeding, and there is the risk of hitting dry, hot weather which reduces yield. We farmers are never completely satisfied but with a combination of knowledge, skill and a degree of luck we hope to produce high yielding and quality crops to feed the nation.

Another facet we need is patience, especially with our young vineyard. First planted in 2019, we finally have wine to sell from our 2022 grape harvest. Another spin-off will be our vineyard tours and tasting of bubbly, white and rosé - for more info see; quoitatcrossvineyard.com ‘Til next time, Roger #TuppertheTractor (tupperthetractor.com)