Crime continues to fall across region

New figures announced today (Thursday, 21st April) show that recorded crime continues to fall across Devon and Cornwall.

Crime recorded between the 1st April 2015 and the 31st March 2016 shows a 3.8 per cent reduction on the same period the year prior. This equates to 3,021 fewer crimes compared to 2014/15.

Victim based reported crimes reduced 5.2 per cent with further reductions in burglary dwelling (14.9%) and burglary non-dwelling (11.5%); plus vehicle offences (10.1%); theft (13.1%); shoplifting (12.5%); and criminal damage (6.2%) also saw a reduction.

Deputy Chief constable Bill Skelly said: “In a time of reduced budgets across the board, seeing crime fall in the region is hugely positive. This is testament to the hard work carried out each and every day by our officers, PCSO’s, Specials and police staff.

“It should be noted that this is only one measure of police performance and only gives a small snapshot of what we do as a constabulary and with our many partner agencies.

“Crime accounts for only part of the work we do as a force. Detecting and preventing harm, working closer than ever with partners to safeguard communities, providing a high quality of service to our public and ensuring we are a professional and ethical force are all things we are striving to achieve.”

196 more sexual offences were recorded during this period, which equates to a 7.6% increase. There is also a 5% rise in domestic abuse related crimes. DCC Skelly said: “We have said for many years now that sexual offences and domestic violence remains under reported in our society.

“For the past three years we have seen an increase in the reporting of these crimes within Devon and Cornwall. This is a reflection on the confidence victims now have in reporting these types of crimes to the police, and testament to the support victims now receive from Devon and Cornwall Police when they find the courage to come forward and report this type of abuse.”

The Crime Survey for England and Wales carried out by the Office for National Statistics shows that 71.6% of respondents said that Devon and Cornwall Police do a good or excellent job; this means that compared to other forces in England and Wales, Devon and Cornwall has the highest levels of public confidence.

DCC Skelly commented: “We are also delighted with the results of the crime survey carried out by the Office for National Statistics which shows that Devon and Cornwall has the highest levels of public confidence compared to all other forces in England and Wales.

“We still have much we can improve on, but this shows that as a Force we continue to move in the right direction, and that Devon and Cornwall continues to be a safe place to live in, and visit.”