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Devon and Cornwall Region Sees 11.7% Rise in Crime, Drops to Ninth in Safest Places

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Devon and Cornwall region has experienced a significant increase in crime over the past year, with a 11.7% rise in recorded crime from 108,351 to 121,028. This increase has pushed the region from sixth to ninth place in the table of the safest places to live. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that violence against the person and theft, particularly shoplifting, accounted for the highest number of offenses. Despite the rise in crime, Commissioner Alison Hernandez emphasized the need to address the increasing trend of violence against women and girls, which accounts for the bulk of violent crime.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Devon and Cornwall region has seen a 11.7% rise in crime over the past year, with a total of 121,028 recorded crimes.
  • The region has dropped from sixth to ninth place in the table of the safest places to live, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
  • Violence against the person accounted for 43% (52,383) of recorded crime, while theft offenses accounted for 24% (29,349).
  • Commissioner Alison Hernandez emphasized the need to address the increasing trend of violence against women and girls, which accounts for the bulk of violent crime.
  • The rise in domestic violence over 30 years can no longer be seen as solely a result of increased reporting.
  • Domestic violence crime rate has been rising for 30 years, with women being the majority of victims.
  • Commissioner Hernandez wants to bring together men's groups, such as Band of Brothers, Man Down, and Man Culture, to tackle domestic violence.

Statistics:

  • 11.7% rise in crime over the past year (121,028 recorded crimes)
  • 43% of recorded crime was violence against the person (52,383 offenses)
  • 24% of recorded crime was theft offenses (29,349)
  • Crime rate per 1,000 people increased from 59.6 to 66.4
  • North Wales has the highest crime rate within the similar forces group
  • 30-year trend of rising domestic violence crime rate

Sources:

  • Office for National Statistics (ONS)
  • Devon and Cornwall Police
  • Commissioner Alison Hernandez
  • Cllr Caroline Leaver (Lib Dem, Barnstaple, Devon County Council and North Devon Council)

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