North Devon sees dramatic fall in anti-social behaviour

ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour in North Devon (TDC & NDDC together) has reduced by 18 per cent or 1,645 incidents, according to figures comparing 2005/6 with 2009/10.   National statistics also show that there are only three places safer to live as Devon and Cornw

ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour in North Devon (TDC & NDDC together) has reduced by 18 per cent or 1,645 incidents, according to figures comparing 2005/6 with 2009/10.

National statistics also show that there are only three places safer to live as Devon and Cornwall now have the fourth lowest crime rate in England and Wales. (Devon alone is the third safest after Dyffd and Norfolk)

Superintendent Kevin Harris representing the North Devon Community Safety Partnership (Councils, Fire, Police, Probation etc), said: "With a reduction in anti-social behaviour of almost one fifth in recent years, the results highlight the determination of all the partners, local people and our officers to work hard to make a difference to local communities".

"Other operations led by community identified PACT priorities have tackled a wide range of local concerns including speeding vehicles, fly-tipped rubbish, litter, dog fouling, noise nuisance, graffiti plus street drinking and disorder "

The decrease in incidents of anti-social behaviour supports a campaign launched by the North Devon Community Safety Partnership including both Torridge and North Devon District Councils with the Fire Service and Probation which aims to address the public's disproportionate perceptions of crime levels.

In addition to the reduction in anti-social behaviour there were almost 3,500 fewer recorded crimes in 2009/10 compared with 2005/06, an incredible drop of 31 per cent especially at a time when in 2008/9 the government made police recording of crimes involving violence more demanding leading to massive increases numerically in some areas.

North Devon was the only police area not to record an increase in violent crime).

"The figures are really important when people across North Devon consider their quality of life and the natural beauty of this part of the world to all intents and purposes untainted by some of the unpleasant aspects of modern life in other parts of the UK today," Supt Harris said.