POLICE are investigating a burglary that took place at the North Park Veterinary Practice in North Tawton between the hours of 11pm on Thursday, October 6 and 8.20am on Friday, October 7.

An untidy search took place and cash was stolen. The thieves managed to get in by forcing open a locked side door.

Several male voices were heard outside the premises in the early hours of the morning but it is not clear if they are connected.

Police are particularly concerned that, as well as petty cash, a number of handgun cartridges were taken.

Police are very keen to recover the cartridges and anyone with any information is urged to get in touch as matter of urgency.

Officers are arranging for the forensic examination of the petty cash tin which was fortunately found very soon after the incident by a passer-by.

The officer in charge of the case is PC 17061 Gavin Jordan at Okehampton Police Station. The crime number is CR/071125/16 and the number to call is 101.