TWO PEOPLE have been arrested following the theft of several pay and display machines in the early hours of Friday, December 16.

South Hams Council’s Shadycombe car park in Salcombe, Kingsbridge Cattle Market, Slapton Memorial car park and Salcombe Town Council’s park and ride car park were targeted in what police are describing as a ‘specific and unusual crime.’

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall police said: ‘A 33-year-old man from Launceston and a 24-year-old woman from Plymouth have been arrested on suspicion of theft of parking meters, and have since been released on police bail until Wednesday, March 15 pending further enquiries.’

Salcombe Town Council described the incident as a ‘pain’ and were unsure of how much money had been stolen. A spokesperson for the council explained the thieves targeted the parking meter at the bottom of the car park, and they didn’t think there was much money in it due to the time of year.

Cllr Rufus Gilbert, portfolio holder for commercial services at South Hams Council said: ‘There has been a recent spate of similar pay and display machine thefts across the South Hams. This has included the theft of machines in Slapton, Kingsbridge and Salcombe.

‘We understand that recent arrests have been made by Devon and Cornwall Police in connection to the latest incident in Salcombe.

‘Thanks to Devon and Cornwall Police for their efforts and I also thank the public who have reported suspicious activities, please continue to be vigilant and let us know if you have any further information.’

Police enquiries are still ongoing, if anyone has any information, please telephone 101 quoting the crime reference number CR/88846/16.