Devon and Cornwall remains one of the safest places in the country, according to the latest Office of National Statistics (ONS) crime figures.
The statistics reported that overall crime rose by 9.3% in Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly during the 12 months to 30th June, which is lower than the national average rise of 12.5%.
Similar to previously released statistics, a rise in crime during this period was expected as the figures are directly compared with the same months in 2020 and 2021, during which the country was subjected to lockdowns and saw a significant fall in crime.
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Recorded crime data is one of the tools I use to understand the picture of offending in Devon and Cornwall. A rise in some crime types, such as sexual offences, where there has been greater public awareness around the expectation to better protect women and girls, can indicate that victims of crime have greater confidence in the police or are more motivated to seek justice, particularly for offences that may have happened to them as a child or young adult.
“I am pleased that Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have some of the lowest rates of neighbourhood crimes in the country but there is still much work to be done to tackle violence, including that linked to the illegal drug trade. Our force will be working with five other forces this winter on Operation Scorpion, which will see users and dealers targeted in significant enforcement activity across the South West, telling our communities that our region is no place for drugs.
“The recent inspection into crime recording standards by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services means there is a greater focus on ensuring Devon and Cornwall Police’s crime data is as accurate as it can be.”
