Crime drops across Devon and Cornwall

New crime figures released today (Thursday) show total crime in Devon and Cornwall have dropped.

Crime figures across Devon and Cornwall have dropped by 3.8 per cent on last year.

The figures released today (Thursday) for 2015/16 show a reduction of 3,021 on 2014/15.

Victim-based reported crimes reduced 5.2 per cent with further reductions in burglary dwelling (14.9 per cent) and burglary non-dwelling (11.5 per cent)

Theft, shoplifting, criminal damage and vehicle offences have also all dropped.

The only crime types which had increased were sexual offences - with 196 more recorded this year - and domestic abuse, which saw a five per cent rise.

Deputy chief constable Bill Skelly said: “In a time of reduced budgets across the board, seeing crime fall in the region is hugely positive.

“This is testament to the hard work carried out each and every day by our officers, PCSOs, specials and police staff.

“It should be noted that this is only one measure of police performance and only gives a small snapshot of what we do as a constabulary and with our many partner agencies.”

He said domestic abuse and sexual offences remain underreported in society.

“For the past three years we have seen an increase in the reporting of these crimes within Devon and Cornwall,” he said.

“This is a reflection on the confidence victims now have in reporting these types of crimes to the police, and testament to the support victims now receive from Devon and Cornwall Police when they find the courage to come forward and report this type of abuse.

“We still have much we can improve on, but this shows that as a force we continue to move in the right direction, and that Devon and Cornwall continues to be a safe place to live in, and visit.”