New crime data released yesterday (Thursday 4 November) has shown a decrease in burglaries over the past year but a rise in public order, drug, and sexual offences.

The total number of crimes recorded between July 2020 and June 2021 decreased by 0.6% compared with the previous year.

Crime statistics

The percentage change for crimes recorded in the following categories in Devon and Cornwall is as follows:

- All burglary (decrease of 26.1%)

- Non-residential burglary (decrease of 28.9%)

- Public order offences (increase of 15.7%)

- Sexual offences (increase of 11.4%)

- Possession of weapons (increase of 15.4%)

Analysis

According to Devon and Cornwall Police, the decrease in burglaries is likely due to lockdown restrictions meaning more people were at home, and the increase in public order offences is likely due to the easing of restrictions and reopening of the night-time economy.

The increases in drug and weapons offences reportedly 'reflect an increase in proactive policing and new requirements to record offences identified by the Border Force.'

Deputy Chief Constable Jim Colwell said: "We are pleased to see an overall reduction in crime for Devon and Cornwall, but there is still a lot of work to be done to tackle violence against a person, and sexual offences, which saw a significant rise over the period.

"We are committed to ensuring our communities feel safe, particularly women who continue to be targets of sexual violence and assault. We are determined to do everything in our power to make sure that criminals are caught and sentenced."