A steep rise in drug related crime recorded in Ottery is down to better policing – says the town’s sergeant.

The latest figures from Devon and Cornwall Police show a rise in recorded cases of drug possession, with 10 incidents logged in 2014, compared to just one the previous year.

Sergeant Chris Leisk, from Ottery’s neighbourhood team, attributed the increased statistics to more pro-active police work.

He said that between September and November last year, his team conducted three drug raids, which account for at least 40 per cent of recorded incidents of drug possession.

The annual figures also show an apparent increase in the number of more serious assaults – with the quantity of cases increasing from 12 in 2013 to 16 last year.

Paradoxically, cases of assaults that did not result in injury were marginally fewer than in 2013, decreasing from 23 reported incidents to 22 in 2014.

The statistics also show there was one incident of rape reported in Ottery last year – this is compared to none in 2013.The number of other reported sexual offences dropped 50 per cent from four to two.

Shoplifting appeared to be slightly on the rise in 2014, with five cases logged by police, compared to three in 2013.

There was also a marginal increase in public order offences, with nine reported, compared to eight the previous year.

Burglary in the town was down, with two incidents recorded from homes and four from non-dwelling properties – a decrease of 60 per cent from 2013.

Criminal damage accounted for the highest figures of reported crime in Ottery, with 31 incidents on record for 2014 – exactly the same number as recorded in 2013.

Sgt Leisk said Ottery is now benefitting from an increased presence of police officers on the streets.

He urged the community to work with the police and report anything that could be suspicious, or seems out of place.

People are advised to get in touch by calling 101, or by emailing Ottery’s police team on: ottery@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk.