Devon and Cornwall Among Safest Places to Live: Sixth Lowest Crime Rate in England and Wales

ONS Crime Rankings Place Devon and Cornwall Sixth Nationwide

Devon and Cornwall have been ranked as the sixth safest place to live in England and Wales, as confirmed by the latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The data, covering the 12 months to June 2024, showcases the region’s crime performance across multiple categories, placing the Devon and Cornwall Police among the top forces for several key areas.

Top Rankings in Crime Categories

The ONS report measures 14 crime categories, and Devon and Cornwall Police ranked in the top five for seven categories and within the top ten for an additional one. The force’s continued emphasis on accurate crime recording and streamlined contact with the public has played a role in these results. Improvements at the contact centres in Crownhill, Plymouth, and Middlemoor, Exeter, have led to faster response times, which, in turn, have contributed to a higher quality of service for residents of Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly.

An increase in recorded crime in certain areas aligns with the police’s handling of a larger volume of 101 calls, underscoring their focus on accessibility and crime recording accuracy.

Targeting Drug Misuse with Operation Scorpion

The ONS statistics indicate a rise in drug offences, a figure that Devon and Cornwall Police attribute to proactive drug misuse targeting under the South West’s Operation Scorpion. This operation, which encourages public reporting of suspicious drug activities, has led to 117 arrests and 19 charges across the South West, including 28 arrests and three charges specifically in Devon and Cornwall.

Deputy Chief Constable Dave Thorne, commenting on the force’s performance, noted the broader challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis and highlighted the progress in crime recording and accessibility for the public. “It’s encouraging to see that we continue to rank among the top ten police forces in England and Wales for overall crime levels,” Thorne stated, noting that the rise in certain crimes comes from a low baseline, with continued efforts to curb them.

The force has also implemented Operation Loki, targeting anti-social behaviour and enhancing public safety, with a focus on violence against women and girls.

Community-Focused Efforts and Expansion Plans

Efforts to maintain public safety and improve accessibility include the expansion of police enquiry offices, with several new locations set to open by early 2025. Devon and Cornwall’s contact centres have also shown significant improvements, with 92.7% of 999 calls answered within 10 seconds and 90% of 101 calls answered within 20 minutes.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez expressed her satisfaction with the ONS rankings, adding that increased focus on theft and drug-related crimes is planned for the upcoming Police and Crime Plan. “I’m pleased that Devon and Cornwall remain among the safest places to live in the country,” Alison said, noting that Operation Scorpion remains a priority. “The public can expect continued robust action against drugs,” she added, highlighting the ongoing efforts through her Street Focus project, which aims to create safer communities and address antisocial behaviour across Devon and Cornwall.