Crime ‘static’ across Devon

New crime figures show a rise in shoplifting but burglaries and criminal damage offences have fallen.

NEW crime figures for July have shown an increase in violence without injury and shoplifting offences compared to this time last year.

The figures for Devon show shoplifting was up 11.8 per cent and violence without injury up 15.9 per cent with a total 0.6 per cent increase in crime across the county.

However, burglaries from dwellings have seen a reduction of 285 offences, and criminal damage incidents have fallen by 6.8 per cent.

Chief superintendent Paul Davies, Devon commander, said: “There is a national trend in areas like shoplifting increasing and we are working with retailers of all sizes in our communities to look at why these offences happen and the best way to prevent them happening in the first place.

“Violent crime and in particular drink related crime remains a challenge for us in the county.

“The night time economy is a vibrant business in Devon, but this needs to be effectively managed with licensees and local people to reduce the impact drink related harm can have.

“I’m confident moving forward that I have the staff, in a difficult financial climate, to make a real difference to local communities and increase safety wherever possible.”