Concern over violent crime rise

Incidents have almost doubled in Plymouth city centre

Violent crime has increased in Exeter and Plymouth, according to new figures from the police.

The police say the number of violent crimes in Exeter in January was 14, compared to four in January 2002.

And over the same period in Plymouth there were 38 incidents, compared with 20 during the same period last year.

The figures have been condemned by South West Devon MP Gary Streeter, who blames the spread of drugs such as heroin and cocaine are to blame.

Exeter saw five attacks over four days

He is calling for tougher sentencing and is backing the call from Plymouth judge Mr Justice Taylor who wants more money for offender rehabilitation schemes.

He said: "It's very, very important that the government sends clear signals that crime doesn't pay.

"Some of the recent signals that first-time burglars and second-time burglars shouldn't go to prison, I don't think many of us agree with that.

"If you choose to break into somebody's house or shop, you should be punished very severely indeed."

Separate groups

A man was mugged by two people in Old Tiverton Road as he walked to work at 0515 GMT on Thursday.

On Wednesday, in one of the most serious incidents, three men with knives raided Dawson's General Store in Heavitree.

On Tuesday, a shop in Little John Cross was robbed.

Police believe at least two separate groups are involved in the Exeter incidents.