THE MP for Central Devon has welcomed figures that state crime in England and Wales has dropped by 20% since 2010.

Crime has fallen by 20% since 2010 according to new figures from the independent Crime Survey of England and Wales (CSEW). Two point three million fewer crimes were committed in the year to June 2014 compared with the year to June 2010.

There were 160,000 fewer homes burgled, 290,000 fewer vehicle crimes, 413,000 fewer violent crimes and nearly a million fewer incidents of criminal damages.

Welcoming the figures, Central Devon MP Mel Stride said that a combination of scrapping unnecessary targets and red tape and the outstanding contribution of police officers across the country explained the figures: 'I have met with police officers across my constituency and know how hard they work every day to keep our towns and villages safe.

'The police force as a whole has had to do more with fewer resources and they've risen to the challenge.

' The Government also deserves significant credit for creating an environment where the police can do their jobs effectively by cutting red tape and scrapping unnecessary targets, enabling them to spend more time out on the beat.'