WEST Devon has seen a 15.3% drop in crime over the last year, according to the latest figures, re-affirming its standing as one of the safest places to live in England.

The figures show a huge drop in recorded robbery, and significant drops in theft from vehicles and other vehicle crime against last year's figures.

Crime reduction work is part of the South Devon and Dartmoor Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, which operates across Teignbridge and South Hams as well as West Devon. The partnership involves a close working link with many other agencies and organisations, including the police.

An example would be the recently introduced orders to reduce alcohol-related disorder in the centre of Tavistock, which, although made by West Devon Borough Council, were instigated through the South Devon and Dartmoor Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership with the full support of the town council and police.

Other crime reduction schemes are planned in West Devon for the coming year.

West Devon Borough councillor Mandy Govier, chair of the partnership, said: 'We are looking forward to reducing these figures even further, building on the partnership's success of the last two years.'

And alongside the on-going work in neighbourhood policing, a new website has recently been launched by the police, neighbourhoodpolicing.

devon-cornwall.police.uk, which enables you to get to know the people in your local police team and to discover more about policing priorities where you live.

The full list of crime figures can be seen online at http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk">www.devon-cornwall.police.uk

For more information on the South Devon and Dartmoor Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, contact Louisa Wall, community safety officer at West Devon Borough Council, on 01822 813720 or email [email protected]">[email protected]