POLICE last week announced that Devon and Cornwall constabulary has the seventh lowest crime rate in England out of 42 other forces. At the Police Authority Liaison meeting last Wednesday at Tavistock College, Bob Hughes, Sector Inspector for West Devon, explained the crime and incident statistics for the area. He said Devon and Cornwall Police cover West Devon, South Hams and Caradon, and within those areas West Devon has the lowest crime rate. Figures also showed that between April and August 2006, West Devon has the fourth lowest rate of crime within its family of 15 most similar Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships across England and Wales. The rate of crime in West Devon for this three-month period was 12 per thousand residents, compared with the family average of 13.8. Inspector Hughes said: ?We are focusing on two main areas ? criminal damage and anti-social behaviour. ?In relation to incidents, 667 in Tavistock and 450 in Okehampton, the time consuming crimes are domestic violence and child protection.? In West Devon there are six sergeants, 22 response vehicles, eleven neighbourhood beatmen, four PCSOs, 13 special constables, five enquiry clerks and five CID officers. For the Tavistock area, the crime and incident statistics between April and August 2006 were: l Theft from motor vehicles: Recorded from 2005 to 2006 was 75 incidents, this year so far has been 44, showing a decrease of 41.3%, with the police detecting 4.5%. l Common assault last year was recorded at 30 incidents, this year it is 26, showing a 13.3% decrease. l The total of violent crimes in Tavistock last year was 14. This year crimes have decreased by 5.7% to 132, with the police detecting 38.6%. l Criminal damage last year was 167, this year it has risen to 206 incidents showing a 23.4% increase. l Domestic burglary has risen by 63.2%. Last year 19 incidents were recorded, this year the figure has risen to 31 with the police detecting 38.7%. In total the crimes reported from April to August 2006, compared with last year?s statistics, have risen by 1.8%.
