a public meeting is to be held in Bere Alston next week when police will tell residents of the latest developments in the investigation to catch the vandals who wreaked havoc in the village two weeks ago.

It will be attended by West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox, who has written to the Chief Constable asking for a response to the concerns of residents after more than 50 cars were vandalised over one night, questions about policing of the area and the growth of anti-social behaviour.

The meeting, on November 17 at Bere Alston United Church in Fore Street at 7pm, is expected to include representatives from the parish council and local headteachers.

Police will talk about their efforts to catch the culprits, the importance of the public in helping to track down who is responsible and ways in which the community can help prevent crime.

The attack in Bere Alston took place in the early hours of Saturday, October 31 and caused £40,000 of damage. Residents awoke on Saturday morning to find tyres slashed on their cars and paintwork damaged.

Mr Cox said: 'This was a disturbing incident and has understandably shocked local residents.

'It is essential that our rural communities are adequately policed and I have written to the chief constable seeking his assurance that Bere Alston and all our villages in West Devon will receive a proper level of police resources.'

In a letter to residents last week police apologised for not detecting any crimes on the night and said unfortunately the local officer for Bere Alston was away on leave at the time. Villagers have offered a reward of £100 for information which leads to a conviction.

Neighbourhood team leader Sgt Dave Anning, who has helped organise the meeting, said: 'One of the most important things is that we keep everybody up-to-date on what has happened and the best way to do that is face to face.

'We are trying to get a CCTV expert along and a neighbourhood watch scheme has just been started up in Bere Alston so this is a good opportunity to tell the public about it.'

Sgt Anning said a youth had been arrested in connection with some criminal damage to a vehicle which took place the previous week and was currently on bail.

'This arrest is a result of information from the public. We do not know if this is linked to the other crimes but if anybody does have information, now is the time to come forward.'

Steve Lockhart, whose car was damaged in the attack, said people were still frustrated about what had happened: 'The people or person who did this needs to be caught and made an example of. They need to know that they cannot do this sort of damage and get away with it.'

Anyone who can help officers find those responsible for the damage should call Tavistock police on 08452 777444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

l In relation to the investigation police are trying to trace a woman who found some scissors before passing them on to a resident of Bedford Street. The woman's name and address is unknown although it is believed she is local. Tavistock police need to know exactly where the scissors were found and who has touched them. Police say that if anyone knows this woman, please ask her to contact the above number.

l See page 3