Recorded crimes in Devon and Cornwall increase by 5.9%

The number of recorded criminal offences in Devon and Cornwall has risen by 5.9% in a year, the Office for National Statistics has said.

Devon and Cornwall Police recorded nearly 91,808 crimes in the 12 months to the end of March 2012, up from about 86,500 from the year before.

Offences which increased included sex offences, burglary, robbery and violent crimes. Drugs crimes saw a drop.

The force said its area was still one of the 10 safest in the UK.

'Never complacent'

The figures revealed violence against the person had increased by 10%, sexual offences were up 12%, burglary 15%, robbery 21%, and fraud and forgery 23%.

Drugs offences fell by 5%.

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said any increase in crime was "of concern and our priority is to address it".

He said: "We are never complacent and we have already put rigorous measures in place over the last three months which have seen encouraging reductions in burglary, theft from vehicles, criminal damage and drug offences.

"It is important that we continue to reduce crime levels. It is paramount that the public are safe and feel safe, and that they are satisfied with the service we provide.

"We want to reassure our communities that despite this small increase in crime, Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly still remain one of safest places to live."