AN APPEAL for information has been issued by police in Tavistock following two hotel burglaries in West Devon.

Both of the incidents, which are believed to be linked, took place in the early hours of Monday, August 9.

The first burglary took place at a hotel in Chagford, when offenders gained entry to the property and attempted to steal the safe. They were disturbed when the hotels alarm was activated.

A short time later, another hotel near to Lewdown was targeted. On this occasion, the suspects stole a large safe which contained in the region of around £2,000 in cash.

A police spokesman said: The safe is described as being white and cream and around 2ft by 3ft by 3ft in size. It is believed that it would have needed two or three people to carry it.

Officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area at the time of the incidents or anyone who may find a discarded safe, to contact them. 

They are particularly keen to trace the owner of a black pick-up truck with a caravan attached which was seen parked in a layby on the A382 just outside Chagford.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 08452 777 444, quoting reference JT/10/819.