THERE was an unexplained peak in burglaries in West Devon in October, those attending last week?s Police Authority Liaison meeting in Tavistock were told.
But Chief Insp Steer said crime rates in the area were ?very low? and in Tavistock, from April to September this year were down 10.2% overall, although vehicle crimes and detected drug offences were up. He said that per 1,000 people West Devon had the lowest crime rate within similar areas ? 46.2.
Only half of one per cent of offenders were responsible for a very large number of crimes, and the government was now encouraging a new approach ? taking a holistic view of people who offend. There were about 12 in West Devon, who had a ?significant impact? in the area, he said.
Under the new scheme nuisance neighbours or drunks could be nominated and would be monitored, ranging from complete surveillance to phone calls. It would also be considered what services, such as housing, could be targeted at them to reduce offending.
Car crime on the moor had been reduced by 25% so far this year, with the help of bodies such as Dartmoor National Park.
There had been a distraction burglary recently and Chief Insp Steer said people should advise elderly relatives to think carefully before opening the door to people. He also warned of leaving doors and windows unlocked, as 40% of burglaries related to insecure premises.
Sgt Dave Anning said there was the unexplained peak in burglaries in the area from the middle to late October and advised people to be especially careful. The peak also occurred in the South Hams.
Sgt Anning also urged the pubic to report all car crimes, no matter how small.