Violent and sexual crimes in Devon and Cornwall stayed the same and increased respectively

REPORTED violent and sexual crimes in Devon and Cornwall stayed the same and increased respectively in the past year, Home Office figures have revealed.

But statistics released this week show police saw a six per cent decrease in total crime in the 12 months before March 2011- when compared to the same period in 2010.

The region has the third lowest crime rate in England and Wales, according to figures.

Although criminal damage has fallen by 14per cent across Devon and Cornwall, rates of violent crime haven’t changed, and are worse than the national average.

Reported sexual offences also rose by six per cent.

Police chiefs say this could be linked to victims having more confidence to come forward with information.

Deputy Chief Constable Shawn Sawyer said: “Improvements that stand out include that of those crimes and antisocial behaviour that can blight our communities – crime against vehicles, burglary and thefts all fell – and that is extremely encouraging for our communities.

“Many of the reductions we have achieved better national and regional averages and I must pay tribute to all officers, staff and partners who have helped achieve these results.”