Crime continues to fall across the region

The latest figures for 2014 show that crime continues to fall across the region.

Recorded figures for January to December 2014 showed a decrease of 3.2% or 2,747 fewer offences compared to 2013, with reductions across a number of crime groups.

The updated picture shows the Force continues to see reductions in public order offences (down by 14.8%), theft (-10.7%), Burglary (-5.7%), and criminal damage has fallen by 5.9%.

In line with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, there are certain types of crime that the Force want to see a rise in the reporting of – namely rape, serious sexual offences and domestic abuse - as we believe these are under reported. Therefore, the Force also produces crime figures which exclude these crimes. Victim based crime minus domestic abuse, rape and serious sexual assault has fallen by 4.4% during 2014.

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said: “Crime statistics are hugely complex and these figures are only one indication of Force performance in Devon and Cornwall. However, they do help the Force identify the priority areas in which we should be focussing our resources.

“These are positive results, and in a time of reduced budgets across the board, seeing crime fall in the region during 2014 is hugely positive and credit must go to all our staff and officers.”

Figures from the Office of National Statistic published today, covering the period up to the end of September 2014 shows Devon and Cornwall continue to reduce crime in a number of areas and have the 11th lowest crime rate of forces in England and Wales.

The Office for National Statistics says some rises, particularly violence against the person, public order offences and sexual offences relate to better recording and a greater willingness of victims to come forward to report such crimes.

Devon and Cornwall police publish the latest recorded crime figures on our website, as well as links to regional and local crime maps. To access these, click here.