Latest crime statistics show that Devon is one of the safest places in the country

Devon and Cornwall have the third lowest crime rates out of 43 forces in England.

Deputy Chief Constable Jim Colwell said: "Devon and Cornwall continue to be one of the safest places in the country and has lower than national average crime rates per 1000 population. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our officers, staff, and volunteers."

Although there has been a rise in crime across the country – including Devon and Cornwall – this is thought to be a result of crime returning to pre-pandemic levels, after a reduction caused by lockdowns.

Devon's relatively low levels of acquisitive crimes, such as burglary and fraud, continue to be below the UK average. However, it is possible that the current economic climate could have an impact on this and so this is something Devon and Cornwall Police will be monitoring closely.

In a statement, Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, said: "While I am pleased the figures show Devon and Cornwall to be among the safest places to live, work and play some of the trends identified are of concern as we recover from the challenges of the pandemic and the long-term impacts on our community.

"Everyone involved in policing must place public safety, community confidence and regeneration at the heart of our plans to protect our communities' future – it is one of the reasons why the public has supported my plans to increase officer numbers to record levels by the end of 2022.

"People have told me they want more visible police officers, more action to tackle drug offences and antisocial behaviour.

"Violence is inherent in our communities and these figures show the important role our new Serious Violence Prevention Programme has to play – particularly in how it tackles violence against women and girls.

"To tackle drugs effectively we must address both the supply of drugs into our communities and the demand for those drugs.

"I encourage people to report drug dealing occurring in their community to the police or Crimestoppers and make the South West a hostile environment for drug dealing and at the same time we will continue to deliver the services needed to tackle drug demand and supply."

•       Rape and sexual offences have increased 20.5% nationally, leading to an increased focus on Violence Against Women and Girls.
•       All burglary offences have seen a decrease of 15%
•       Public order offences have risen 15.5% and Devon and Cornwall is third place nationally.
•       Drug offences have decreased 7.4%.

You can read the latest crime figures for Honiton here.