Christmas Crime warning

Detectives in the Budleigh area are asking householders to be vigilant in the run up to Christmas as this is the anniversary of a spate of burglaries in the district.

Detective Sergeant Peter Jones said, “During the Christmas and New Year 2007 there were a number of household burglaries in the Exmouth and East Devon area.

“It appears that those responsible targeted premises in the Clyst St Mary, Exton, Honiton and Sidmouth areas, stealing mainly jewellery and antique items.

“In most instances the occupants of the attacked premises were away on holiday.

“During 2008 there have been further similar burglaries in the Axminster, Seaton, Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton, East Budleigh and Exmouth areas and we believe these may be the work of one person.

“We are following a number of leads to arrest the suspect but believe that he may return again this year.”

Police are asking local residents who will be away to take extra precautions in relation to the security of their possessions. If possible consideration should be given, subject to the necessary insurance cover being in place, for valuable items of jewellery being left with relatives or close friends for safekeeping or concealing these items. Similar consideration should be given to portable antique items such as porcelain figures, silverware and clocks. If possible, neighbours should be asked to check security of unoccupied premises regularly and report anything untoward to Police.

DS Jones continued, “Detectives in Exmouth and East Devon are committed to bringing the activities of this burglar to an end. We are working closely with colleagues elsewhere in the country to achieve this but need the assistance of the local community in disrupting his activities until he can be brought to justice”.

Suspicious behaviour should be reported to the police immediately. Anyone with any information regarding the crimes that have been committed is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

These Boots are made for talking

The Credit Crunch has made all of us aware of the need to count the pennies, and Exmouth Road’s Annie Dent has certainly helped her neighbours to save a few by suggesting that they join the Boots Health Club.

Annie feels that good deals such as those offered by the Club ought to be more widely known, and was prompted to email local residents about some of the ongoing benefits for members aged 60 or over which she has only just discovered.


“If you are interested you can pick up an application form from any Boots store, call 0845 124 4545 or visit the website www.boots.com/healthclub” explains Annie. “The good deals include 10% off Boots brand products such as the No 7 range, and 30% off Boots own-brand frames and lenses.”

“The deals also include half price on selected health products every time you shop. A full
list is provided with the application form but includes vitamins, pain relief, and things like indigestion relief etc.”

Annie is keen for local residents to let her know of any other good deals so that she can circulate the information – “anything to help beat the Credit Crunch!” as she says.

Annie can be contacted by phone on 01395 444238 or by email at alandent@btinternet.com

Picture credits: LoopZilla @ Flikr; Michael Downes

Downderry gets a well-deserved break

Award-winning bed & breakfast owners Don and Amanda Clarke are taking an extra week’s holiday over Christmas, and judging by delighted guests’ comments they certainly deserve it.

The couple, who have run Downderry House on Exmouth Road for the last two years, have had a busy summer. “It’s been non-stop,” says Don who with his wife Amanda has a background as a professional hotelier.

With South West Water’s proposed excavation of Exmouth Road announced for the beginning of the New Year, the couple are proposing to take an extra week’s holiday and plan to re-open for business in the second week of January.

Word of the high standards at this boutique hotel and the friendly welcome that guests receive from Don and Amanda has spread nationwide thanks partly to the favourable reports posted by online reviews such as http://www.tripadvisor.com/ “We felt we were staying in the beautiful home of friends, but without them breathing down your neck,” was one comment from a guest last September.

The couple’s readiness to put themselves out for guests was also remarked on. “Nothing was too much trouble for them, even going as far as to ring around some of the local golf courses for my husband,” said another visitor to Budleigh, while another was impressed that Amanda ran out to get more eggs when he and his wife ordered omelettes one morning.

With its excellent reputation and Downderry House’s handy situation, close to the town but within reach of beautiful countryside, Don and Amanda are sure to be even busier next year.

Further information about Downderry House is available at
http://www.downderryhouse.co.uk/
Tel: 01395 442 663
Mob: 07917 814 824
Email: info@downderryhouse.co.uk