Crime falls in Devon and Cornwall

Recorded crime fell by 7.1% in Devon and Cornwall in the year to March, according to police figures.

The overall fall shows significant decreases in violent crime, criminal damage and motoring related thefts.

However the number of sexual offences, house burglaries and drug crimes is up, while overall detection rates are 30%.

The police say they are delighted with the overall fall which shows the area had among the lowest level of recorded crime among English forces.

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Assistant Chief Constable Paul Netherton also said the figures showed that working with community agencies and councils was working.

"We work closely with other agencies to reduce anti-social behaviour and listen to what the public want through the PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meetings," he said.

"The public are now further protected by an extra 200 officers on the front line.

"All these factors mean that the force remains one of the safest area for both residents and the many visitors who visit throughout the year."

He added: "We are delighted that these figures show that our commitment to becoming a top performing force is on track."

Police in Devon and Cornwall have welcomed a reduction in car crime.

Thefts of vehicles have fallen by about 22% to 2,500 a year and thefts from cars have dropped 23% to about 8,500 a year says the force.

Police are putting part of the reduction down to the use of "capture cars" which are designed to record thieves with on-board cameras.

Police say capture cars are not entrapment because the problem areas where they are used are signed.

Det Insp Neil Blackhurst said: "To get car crime down further we want people to lock their vehicles and remove temptation by removing any items from display."