Crime figures published last week show a rise in recorded crime for Devon and Cornwall Police - although the Force still has the third lowest crime rate in England and Wales.

Overall reported crime between April 2016 and March 2017 increased by 10.6%.

Recorded crime levels for sexual offences have gone up by approximately 25% during the twelve months, compared to the previous year.  

Many of these crimes relate to cases that happened in the past and are now being recorded, the force says.

Recorded crime levels of violence without injury have gone up 23%. New crimes recorded this year for the first time account for more than half of this increase.

Deputy Chief Constable James Vaughan said: ’There have been a number of new laws introduced which will see a rise in crime figures for all Forces across the country, not just in Devon and Cornwall. An example of this is the introduction of the Malicious Communications Act.

’Examples of new crimes that fall within this act include harassment, abusive and threatening messages sent via social media, phone calls that the victim perceives as threatening in their nature, and even an abusive note left on the windshield of a car for parking in front of someone’s house.’

’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.’

Figures from the Office for National Statistics relating to national police performance up to the end of 2016 have also been released. These figures show that Devon and Cornwall Police recorded a 6% increase in recorded crime.