Total crime for the force area falls by almost six per cent in the past year with a 30 per cent reduction over five years.

DEVON and Cornwall Constabulary has recorded a five year reduction in crime figures.

The figures released today show that crime is continuing to fall in Devon and Cornwall with large decreases in offences throughout the region.

Total crime in the force area has fallen by almost six per cent in the past year with a 30 per cent reduction over the past five years.

Figures for April 1, 2010, to March 31, 2011, has seen a reduction of 5.9 per cent in the total crime figures with 86,692 crimes recorded.

The force has also recorded the third highest level of public confidence nationally with 64.1 per cent of the community believing Devon and Cornwall Police is doing a good job.

Chief Constable, Stephen Otter, said: “Over the past five years our officers and staff have been committed to reducing and detecting crime across the force area.

We know that Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are safe places but we also know that more can be done and we are proud that our continued hard work is reflected in these figures.

“We are facing challenging times ahead but I am confident that with the team we have in the force we can continue to ensure our communities remain as safe as they are now.”

The police authority identified crimes including domestic burglary, vehicle crime and robbery as a priority and set a target to reduce these crimes by five per cent over the year.

Mr Otter added: “We know that such crime has a real effect on people and even if the financial cost is not great the impact crimes like this have on our communities can be significant.

“We want to reassure those who live and work in our area that crime is falling and that they can be confident we are delivering a very effective police service to help improve life for people in their villages, towns and cities.”