A carnival mascot that resembled the Loch Ness monster was reported to police as 'suspicious' during a month when crime fell in Sheringham, the town council was told.

The unlikely aside was part of a written report to Tuesday's town council by police community support officer Gary Baxter.

PSCO Baxter said there had been 20 crimes in the town during August, which was a 'significant improvement' on the same month in 2010.

He listed the offences, which included:

? Money taken from the bar of the Ex-Servicemen's Club in Holway Road. A man was cautioned after returning the cash.

? A washing machine awaiting repair, which was stolen by two men from outside a house in Greenlands Way.

? A man who was spat at and had his car kicked while in Gunn Street.

? Three reports of vehicle damage on Morris Street, Cliff Road and Station Road.

PCSO Baxter said there were 221 calls made to police in Sheringham between August 2 and September 4.

He said they included one during carnival week, where the caller reported the offshore raft that carried mascot Sammy the Sea Serpent as 'suspicious'.

Earlier, town mayor Doug Smith reported that Sheringham Carnival had one of its lowest ever crime rates.

He said: 'Sgt Andy Smith told me that it was the best it has been for many years. I believe that is because of the way the town is policed. It's not down to luck. I congratulate our local police force.'