Crime falls across force by 5% but sex offences rise

Crime has fallen by in Devon and Cornwall by more than five per cent in the last nine months, according to the latest figures.

Police revealed there were 4,054 fewer recorded offences between April last year and January 20, 2013, compared to the same period in 2011-12.

Across the two counties vehicle crime decreased 11 per cent, and robbery by more than 20 per cent.

But there was a rise in sexual offences, with 77 more in the last nine months compared to the previous period, a jump of 5.1 per cent.

Assistant Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, Chris Boarland, said while the force had achieved ‘some significant successes’, areas of concern remained.

Domestic burglary dropped by 23.9 per cent, with 847 fewer victims of this type of crime in the past nine months, and cases of criminal damage have also reduced by more than 10 per cent.

Mr Boarland said: “Devon and Cornwall remains a safe place, but these latest figures from April 2012 show an encouraging drop as a result of the targeted work going on to reduce crime and the fear of crime.

“In the current financial climate we have to look at different ways of achieving our goals and working more effectively with less whilst keeping victims at the forefront of our plans.

“It isn’t easy for any of our staff, but these results show a clear commitment to succeed.”