CRIME soared in Wellington last month as November figures reached their highest for four years.

Police recorded 52 incidents in a notoriously busy time of year - up nearly 50% from October - with burglaries seeing the biggest increase.

Eight dwelling break-ins were recorded, with the latest incident seeing three iPads stolen from a property in Quantock Road on the night of the Christmas lights switch-on.

Wellington School and several sheds were also targeted in other attacks, PC Rob Wood told councillors at their monthly meeting on Monday (December 2).

People are being urged to be vigilant with their belongings after thefts from vehicles rose by five to eight.

Two break-ins occurred in Tone Hill and North Street and two catalytic converters were stolen.

Criminal damage to cars went up by four to ten and happened at various locations across town, with two linked to the break-ins at Tone Hill.

There were eight serious and common assaults, up three from last month.

One of these was at Neptune Fish Bar and others included a number of domestic incidents.

However, thefts from shops dropped by four this month.

Incidents include shoplifting at Waitrose, Asda, the Co-op and One Stop.