EAST Cornwall has seen a 9.5% reduction in crime in the past year, which is one of the leading results in Devon and Cornwall, according to the area's police inspector.

The area is covered by the Launceston sector, which covers a 500 square mile area.

The crime performance year covers from April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015 and includes the more serious assaults to the lesser theft offences.

To date, there have been 2,323 total crimes and 1,877 government recorded crimes committed within the sector.

The recorded crimes are offences the Government views as the most critical offences affecting the residence of the communities' quality of life.

Launceston sector has seen a 9.5% reduction in crime, which is among some of the leading performance results within Devon and Cornwall Police.

Sector inspector for Launceston Paul Norlund said: 'Our aim is to build on this crime reduction within our sector year on year. In order to do this we must have the help and support of all our residents.

'Crime prevention must begin with everyone taking responsibility for his or her own property and personal safety.'

Some examples of crime reported to the police during the year include children's bikes being left out overnight and stolen, mobile phones being used then going missing, items stolen from cars and garages and front porches that have been left unlocked.

'We have seen numerous sheds and outbuildings entered, either left unlocked or secured with minimal security,' said Insp Norlund.

'With the help of our volunteers, the Neighbourhood Watch Team, security equipment is available which is a really good deterrent to would-be thieves.

'Some offences occur when either the victim or the offender have consumed too much alcohol. We work closely with our pubs, who have implemented a Pubwatch scheme to protect their customers from becoming victims of crime.'

The police outcome for the Launceston sector is 37.1%.

Insp Norlund added:'Again these are some of the leading performance results within the force.

'Managing people's expectations is always a difficult process. When victims of crime first call the police, it is in the anticipation that we will punish the offender with the most severe consequences.

'We are victim-led and listen to what you want but I would ask that you engage with the officers and listen to what they have to say to you about your specific crime.'

The type of offence, the offending history of the guilty party and the victim's wishes will bring about the preferred police outcome.

'These include community resolution and restorative justice, a simple caution, a conditional caution, reported or summonsed to court or being charged with a criminal offence.'

Over the past year, police said some members of the public have reported offences that they know are not true, such as losing a mobile phone or someone crashing a vehicle while drink-driving and then reporting it stolen and they are now in the court process being charged with serious offences.

To keep your home and property secure, a number of crime prevention products are available from the local Neighbourhood Watch office. Contact 01566 771392 or email [email protected]">[email protected] for more information.

Anyone who would like to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in their area, can get more information by contacting the above details.

Insp Norlund added: 'Please report things to us knowing we will do the very best we can to help.'