CARS are causing damage to a field next to the water tower at Jawbones, Dartmouth.

Police want to speak to anyone who may have seen vehicles being driven recklessly in the area.

There have also been two reports over the past couple of weeks of vehicles having fuel stolen from their tanks on Mayflower Close.

On Saturday, a Launa Windows van parked on Carey Road had both driver and passenger windows smashed.

Police are appealing for any information.

Inspector Andy Tomlinson said there had been 26 offences committed in Dartmouth during January, compared to 16 the previous year.

There was no obvious reason for the increase in crime, he told Dartmouth Town Council on Monday.

They included seven assaults, including one allegation involving 11-year-olds at school where no further action was taken.