Seaton Neighbourhood Policing Team and Seaton Town Council have joined forces to launch Beach Hut Watch, helping to protect the seafront beach huts and their users from vandalism and crime.

Beach hut owners and users can now register their details with the local police to ensure that, in the unlikely event of any incident, they can be contacted promptly to assess and report any damage.

Those who join the scheme will also be given the opportunity to sign up to Devon & Cornwall Alert, a two-way messaging system where you can share and receive information with the police, and they will receive Neighbourhood Watch stickers and advice to keep their beach hut safe.

PC Sam Parfett, Seaton Neighbourhood Policing beat manager, said: "We know how proud owners are of their huts, and we want everyone to be able to enjoy their time by the sea without the worry of waking up to find their hut damaged or broken into. That is why Seaton Neighbourhood Policing Team and Seaton Town Council are working in partnership to launch Beach Hut Watch.

"What is important to remember is that the scheme is about becoming part of a network of responsible beach-goers who are the eyes and ears of the community.

"As the police, we are unable to be everywhere at once, but by joining this scheme you will help our collective efforts to strengthen ourselves against the likelihood of crime and anti-social behaviour on our sea front."

Registration forms can be found at the Tourist Information Centre on The Esplanade and your details will then be passed on to the police.

Officers will also be signing up beach hut users on regular patrols of the seafront and can often be found parked at Fisherman's Gap.