Devon and Cornwall Police has the 7th lowest crime rate in England and Wales

Crime figures, published yesterday, (26 April 2018), show a rise in recorded crime for Devon and Cornwall Police with the Force having the 7th lowest crime rate in England and Wales.

Overall reported crime between January and December 2017 has increased by approximately 23%, reflecting an overall national increase in recorded crime across England and Wales.

Internal figures relating to crimes reported up to 31^st March 2018 have also been released by the Force today. These figures show that Devon & Cornwall Police recorded a 22% increase in recorded crime, compared to the previous year. This reflects nationally reported increases in crime and is a reflection of the Forces hard work to improve our recording practices.

Deputy Chief Constable David Lewis said: “The Force has actively changed recording practices which is positively impacting upon these figures. We should also reflect on Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) report from earlier this month, which graded us as ‘good’ for our crime recording. An obvious consequence of this improvement is an increase in our recorded levels of crime.

“In addition to improved recording practices in response to Crime Data Integrity since May 2016, all incidents of rape are now being recorded as crimes in the control room at the initial report. This change in recording practice has seen a significant increase in the number of sexual offences the Force is recording which has seen a rise of approximately 43% during the twelve months, compared to the previous year.

“We have one of the highest levels of public confidence of any Force across the country, and this means that people feel supported and confident that we will take their crime seriously. I am confident that not only are my staff and officers working hard to protect and serve the public of Devon and Cornwall, but that this part of the country continues to remain a safe place to live, work, and visit, and that the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime is still very low.”