CRIME across Devon and Cornwall has dropped over the last 12 months, according to a new report, but there has been an increase in Mid Devon.

According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), across the force, figures dropped by 2.7 per cent over the past year – from 79,529 to 77,71.

But in Mid Devon, whose figures are grouped with those from Exeter and East Devon, there was a 1.8 per cent increase in the number of crimes recorded, rising from 14,707 to 14,965.

Across the force, there was a drop in most areas of crime for this year, including burglary, shoplifting, possession of drugs and vehicle offences.

However, while there was a drop in the number of crimes classed as other sexual offences, there was a nine per cent increase in the number of rapes recorded.

This rose from 956 crimes last year to 1042 this year.

Similarly, for figures in Exeter, East and Mid Devon, there was a drop in robbery, and shoplifting, but an increase in possession of drugs, criminal damage and rape.

The news in the drop of crimes across the force has been welcomed by Devon and Cornwall’s PCC Alison Hernandez.

A spokesman for her office said: “We know that low rates of theft, domestic burglary and car crime are really important to those in our communities.

"But an increasing amount of police work relates to unseen crime.

“The commissioner sees the increase in sexual offences as a positive trend but she will continue to challenge the police to ensure that victims receive a high standard of support.”

Find out more about the PCC’s consultation into the Police and Crime Plan and take part at www.devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk.