THE PUBLIC have been praised for their help with two incidents dealt with by Crediton Police on Friday, May 14.

The first was in the early hours when windows were smashed at Treen Motors, Triple C Cafe and a private dwelling in Charlotte Street.

Two members of the public witnessed the windows being smashed and alerted the police.

Crediton's Acting Police Sgt, PC Paul Roberts explained: "A member of the public, not the initial caller, identified where the youths who caused the damage were.

"We detained two in the Church Street area and found another hiding in a garden.

"All three were arrested and have been placed on police bail, accused of causing criminal damage, pending further inquiries."

PC Roberts said two of the youths were aged 16 and one was aged 15.

He confirmed that food was allegedly taken from the Triple C Cafe and a vehicle parked at Treen Motors was also reported as damaged.

He said that he would like to thank the callers and those who assisted in detaining the youths.

He also appealed for any witnesses, who have not already got in touch, to contact him at Crediton Police Station on 01363 772223.

Four in court today

The second incident that day in which a member of the public assisted police was when a lone police officer detained four people, believed to have been involved in burglaries locally.

PC Roberts explained: "During the afternoon of May 14 the occupant of a remote property at Bow had seen offenders in his property and gave chase.

"The offenders left in a vehicle and the property owner gave a good description of the offenders and the vehicle.

"Officers from the Okehampton and Crediton areas were on their way to the scene.

"At traffic lights at Copplestone, a single officer spotted the vehicle and offenders he believed could have been involved in the incident.

"He manoeuvred his vehicle to box in the vehicle.

"He asked the motorist in the vehicle in front of the suspect vehicle to remain where it was until other officers arrived in support."

PC Roberts added that a quantity of items, believed to have been stolen, were found in the vehicle.

He confirmed that three males, aged 38, 24 and 17 and one female, aged 17, were charged to appear before Exeter Magistrates, today, Friday, May 28, at 9.15am.

He confirmed that the burglaries were at rural locations at Bow and Colebrooke.

PC Roberts said: "This was an excellent result for the team at Crediton Police Station which could have a dramatic effect on crime figures in the area.

"It was good observation and swift action from the officer attending while single crewed.

"I would also like to thank the public involved.

"Both of these incidences are prime examples of where help from the community helps us, the police, deal with these type of people."