Recorded crime in Devon and Cornwall fell by almost four per cent during the last year, according to statistics published yesterday.

Overall crime for the 12 months to September 2014 fell by 3.9 per cent, a drop of 3,336 crimes, compared to the same period in 2012-13.

Victim-based crime, a key performance measure for the Police and Crime Commissioner, is down by 5.3 per cent or 3,297 offences.

The police have seen significant reductions in domestic burglary (10.1 per cent or 331 crimes) and vehicle offences (15.6 per cent or 940 crimes). Non-dwelling burglaries have decreased by 11 per cent or 863 crimes, other thefts by 9.8 per cent or 1,417 crimes while criminal damage is down by 910 crimes or 6.1 per cent and public order offences are down by 8.4 per cent or 483 crimes.

Figures show that Devon and Cornwall had a one per cent rise in crime between June 2013 and June 2014 compared to the same period the previous year.

The police have recorded a 10.5 per cent increase in sexual offences (or 215 crimes) and a 4.4 per cent rise in violence against the person (905 crimes) which includes domestic abuse.

Shoplifting is also up by 4.4 per cent or 334 crimes although offences have been on a downward trend since June 2014 due to proactive work being carried out by officers with local partners and businesses to reduce retail crime.