Latest police figures have reported that there were 52 recorded crimes in the Axminster area last month.

In the Rural East Devon Policing Team's latest newsletter for the Axminster area, it was reported that 27 crimes had been reported during September in the Axminster Town ward, and 25 in the Axminster Rural ward.

In Axminster Town, there were eight incidents of violence without injury and five of violence with injury during September.

Other crimes included three incidents of theft, two non-notifiable offences, two incidents of criminal damage and two public order offences

One incident of the following crimes was reported in Axminster Town during September: sexual offences, non-dwelling burglary, vehicle offences, possession of weapons and possession of drugs.

In Axminster Rural, there were nine incidents of violence with injury during September and six of violence without injury.

Other crimes included two sexual offences and two thefts.

One incident of the following crimes was reported in Axminster Rural during September: vehicle offences, public order offences, possession of weapons, trafficking of drugs, other offences and non-notifiable offences.

If you want to know more about crimes in your local area, visit the website www.police.uk which allows you to zoom in on specific areas and find crimes committed on individual streets month by month.

Know the signs of county lines

Also in this month's rural policing newsletter, officers have asked residents to be vigilant on the sign of 'county lines', which is criminal exploitation in which children are manipulated to sell drugs.

Signs that a child or vulnerable person is being exploited for county lines include:

• They may be missing from school or home
• They may be meeting with unfamiliar or suspicious people
• You notice a change in their behaviour or emotional wellbeing

* They are using drugs and/or alcohol

• Acquiring money or expensive gifts they can't account for
• Multiple mobile phones, tablets or SIM cards

Signs that a property is being used for exploitation, known as 'cuckooing', include:

• More people are going in and out, often at unsocial hours
• An increase in cars and bikes to the property
• Many people coming and going
• Security doors being wedged open

If you see or hear something you think might be linked to county lines, report it direct to police via the 101 number or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555.

Stay safe this Halloween

This weekend, police are asking residents to celebrate Halloween at home and stick to the current COVID-19 regulations.

Due to the 'rule of six' which applies indoors and outdoors, gatherings that exceed this limit, such as traditional Halloween parties and social events, cannot take place this year.

Police and partner agencies are encouraging trick-or-treaters to stay at home in order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Some people, particularly if elderly or vulnerable, might be distressed by strangers knocking at their door during the evening - even more so during a global pandemic.

Click here to download a poster asking trick-or-treaters not to knock at your door and display at your home, or at the homes of your vulnerable neighbours or relatives.

Police have suggested the following ideas a safe alternatives to trick-or-treating for families and young children:

• Organise a Halloween themed scavenger hunt around your house or garden
• Arrange a virtual fancy dress party online and invite your friends and family
• Out-boo your neighbours and have a window decorating competition
• Get creative in the kitchen. Go online to find the recipes for spooky snacks
• Decorate your living room and create your own scary cinema
• Play Halloween inspired games with your friends and family
• Try safely carving a pumpkin and share images with your friends.