Crime has dropped by 6.7 per cent across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in the past 12 months, with more than 6,000 fewer recorded offences.

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said the latest figures are encouraging, but recognises there is still much work to do, with violence and sexual assaults both on the rise.

The police chief said: “I am in no doubt that my officers and staff have responded and worked extremely hard these last 12 months, after some disappointing figures last year, so that once again we are back to some historically low crime levels.”

Domestic burglaries were down nearly 21 per cent, vehicle crime down by more than 12 per cent, criminal damage by nearly 14 per cent, and robbery has fallen by 16 per cent.

“These are good results,” said Chief Constable Sawyer.

“I am enormously proud of my officers and staff in the way they have got on with things, despite the organisation having to make some necessary but challenging decisions.”

He said violence against the person saw an increase of more than five per cent, and sexual offences by 2.6 per cent.

Chief Constable Sawyer said: “These are offences which are thought to be under reported.

“High profile prosecutions in Devon and Cornwall, along with Operation Yewtree – the Jimmy Saville investigation – can only serve to help in raising awareness and encourage victims to come forward.”