Figures show reduction in crime

Burglary rates fell everywhere in the force area except Plymouth

Crime in Devon and Cornwall has fallen significantly in the past year, according to annual police figures.

The report by Devon and Cornwall Police revealed a total of 111,260 recorded crimes in 2007/08 - a drop of 10%.

It is the largest reduction in five years and one of the largest in the force's history. The crime detection rate has also improved.

Chief Constable Stephen Otter said it was the result of hard work from frontline staff and strategic partners.

Targeting high level dealers as well as street dealers is having a really big impact Chief Constable Stephen Otter

"Over the last 12 months we have worked hard to maximise the number of police officers visible in our communities," he said.

"But we are not complacent. I know people want an ever greater presence on the streets."

The Chief Constable told BBC News he was particularly pleased the force's proactive targeting of drug dealers had significantly disrupted organised crime across both counties.

"Targeting high level dealers as well as street dealers is having a really big impact and I'm intent on continuing that over the next year," he said.

Despite a reduction in the overall crime rate, there was an increase in drugs offences forcewide, and domestic burglary in Plymouth.

In Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, domestic burglary fell by 19.6% and in Devon there was a drop of 13.1%, but Plymouth showed a rise of 9%.

The Chief Constable said some dedicated work was being carried out in the Mutley and St Judes area of the city to tackle the problem.

The main figures for the Basic Command Units (BCU) are as follows:

• Devon BCU Overall recorded crime down by 6,584 offences (10.6%). Overall detection rate is 27.6%. Domestic burglary down by 13.1%. Vehicle crime down by 13.8%. Violent crime down by 7.2%.

• Plymouth BCU Overall recorded crime down by 2,127 offences (7.7%). Overall detection rate is 25%. Domestic burglary up by 9%. Vehicle crime down by 4.9%. Violent crime down by 6.5%.

• Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Overall recorded crime down by 3,835 offences (11.4%). Overall detection rate is 30.8%. Domestic burglary down by 19.6%. Vehicle crime down by 26.5%. Violent crime down by 5.7%.