THE latest figures for 2015 shows that crime continues to fall across Devon and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Recorded figures for January to December 2015 showed a decrease of 4.9 per cent or 3,998 fewer offences compared to 2014, with reductions across a number of crime groups.

The updated picture shows the Devon and Cornwall Force continues to see reductions in public order offences (down by 12.4 per cent), vehicle crime (11.4 per cent), theft (12.8 per cent), and criminal damage has fallen by 6.6 per cent.

The figures show significant reductions in burglary offences, both dwelling (down 17.7 per cent) and non dwelling, (down 15.8 per cent).

The figures highlight that Devon and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is the third safest place in the country to live and work.

In line with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, there are certain types of crime that the force says it wishes to see a rise in the reporting of such as rape, serious sexual offences, (rape up 14.8 per cent and other sexual offences up 13 per cent) 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 5.9 per cent during 2015.

Deputy Chief Constable Bill Skelly said: "These are positive and pleasing results, and credit must go to all our staff and officers for their continued hard work.

"Crime statistics are complex and provide only one indicator of our performance since demand on our service is not reflected in these statistics, and 80 per cent of policing is not related directly to crime. However we do use crime figures as a useful measure to assist in identifying where to direct our resources."

Historical figures from the Office of National Statistic published this month, covering the period between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015 compared to the same period the previous year also shows Devon and Cornwall had a 3.7 per cent reduction (excluding fraud) in recorded crime.

The Office for National Statistics notes some rises for this period, particularly violence against the person, (up 8.6 per cent) including with injury (up 5.4 per cent) and without injury, (up 11.9 per cent).

It also records increases in robbery (up 3.4 per cent) and possession of a weapon (up 10.1 per cent).

It notes that improvements in the recording of crime are thought to have particularly affected some categories of violent crime.

Additionally, a re-focus regarding the recording of offences under the Dangerous Dog Act (1991) has resulted in an increase of 400 crimes within the violence with injury category, in 2015 compared with 2014 and represents 64 per cent of the increase.

<7 cent>WELCOMED

<7 point>Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg welcomed the news that Devon and Cornwall has the third lowest recorded crime rate in England and Wales.

Devon and Cornwall Police has bucked the national trend, seeing a reduction of four per cent, while nationally crime is up six per cent in the last 12 months.

“After facing unprecedented cuts to police budgets over the last four years it is a true testimony to the dedication of the officers and staff at Devon and Cornwall Police that recorded crime continues to fall,” said Mr Hogg.

“The force has made significant strides in many priority areas, particularly around how it works with those suffering from mental issues, but it still has work to do in some areas, particularly around violent offending.

“I know that Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer and his management team are working hard in these priority areas.

“At the same time my office will continue its close scrutiny of the 101 which I am adamant will see a significant improvement before I leave this office in May.”

Devon and Cornwall police publish the latest recorded crime figures on its website, as well as links to regional and local crime maps.

Alan Quick