PC bows out, leaving area in good shape

Crime figures for the Seaton rural policing division are on course to reach an historic low this year.

Last month’s total of just seven recorded incidents is a 63 per cent drop on the May total of 19 last year. And it is well down on the monthly average of 17 since 2004.

Neighbourhood beat manager PC Steve Speariett said: “May has seen the lowest recorded crime since at least 2004 and is well below the long term average, and with only 39 crimes recorded so far this year, Seaton Rural is on target to see its lowest ever yearly total.

“Colyton has seen the lowest five-month total from January to May, with just 13 crimes to date, down from a peak of 47 in 2009. All other parishes are seeing low crime totals so far this year.”

In his last report before retiring, PC Speariett said he was ‘pleased to leave Seaton rural with crime levels at historic lows’.

“This has been achieved by the support of the local community, fellow police officers, PCSOs and the special constabulary,” he said. “There are difficult times ahead with further cuts to the police budget. This will put extra demand on the officers remaining and I ask you all to be mindful of this. Every officer at Seaton is committed to providing the best service possible with diminishing resources, staff and budgets.

“I have met many characters over the last 12 years, many who are genuinely committed to making the community a better place for all, like the community speed watch teams, parish councils, community groups – thank you.

“I have been privileged to have been involved with the local schools.

“I am especially proud of the Axe Valley Cadets.

“There are far too many people/groups to thank individually, but I would like to thank my wife Lisa and my boys Sam, Joe and Tom for putting up with me; it cannot have been easy – you all deserve a medal!”