THIS year's Boxing Day sales proved a crowd puller across South Devon.

If you weren't there, you've probably already missed the best of the bargains.

Unlike last year, when retailers overstocked and had to offload goods at ridiculously low prices, this year the credit crunch has made them far more cautious.

So while there are savings to be had, you'll have to look hard to get the best deals.

That may have been one of the reasons behind several ugly scenes in some shopping centres across the country as shoppers literally fought to get their hands on the best sales items.

Police had to be called to Gucci's flagship London store where scuffles and punches were being thrown ahead of the 10am opening.

Much of the frenzy has been put down to shoppers getting in ahead of the VAT rise in January.

Initial footfall figures for Boxing Day from market data firm Experian showed a big 18.5 per cent jump in the number of shoppers compared with last year.

But retailers were more guarded this year in the amount of stock they bought, so there may not be so many great bargains as last year with less leftover stock to get rid of.

Anything with more than a 50 per cent reduction will be a good buy, if it's what you want.

Prices slashed by this amount mean the retailer is making no profit at all.

Less than 50 per cent and they could well be losing money on the sale.

Shoppers have been out in force throughout South Devon, although somewhat more low-key than in major cities.

Boxing Day in Torquay was getting busy by late morning with many descending on the harbourside at Debenhams and Hoopers.

Debenhams promised some of the biggest post-Christmas discounts in its 231-year history.

In a move designed to go head-to-head with its rivals, the predicted rush was down to Boxing Day falling on a Saturday and more retailers opening to eager customers.

Marks & Spencer at The Willows stood its ground and its first post-Christmas trading day was on Sunday.

Often some of the best deals are to be had after the first onslaught of the sales as stores slash discounts even further.

Here are my annual tips for surviving the sales:

As always set your budget, allow room for a little leeway if you see the must-have, can't-live-without item.

Remember many of the discounted items are those which haven't sold pre-Christmas. Ask yourself if you really want or need it.

If it's something you would have paid full price for anyway, go for it.

Decent clothing basics, get two or even three. White T-shirts, white shirts, well-fitting jeans and sturdy boots will never go out of fashion and are worth snapping up when there is money off.

Ditto home furnishings such as towels and bed linen, and crockery, but if it's a discontinued line be prepared to mix and match if some pieces break.

If you're not sure, walk away.

Make a list of stores you want to visit and items you want.