DEVON & Cornwall Police have been confirmed as having the sixth lowest crime rate, according to the latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The data, covering the 12-month period to June 2024, highlights the force’s performance across multiple crime categories.

The ONS report measures 14 crime categories, and Devon & Cornwall Police ranked in the top five for seven of these categories, with an additional category ranked in the top ten.

The statistics show a rise in drug offences, which could reflect the force’s approach in proactively targeting drug misuse across the South West under the Op Scorpion umbrella - encouraging members of the public to report suspicious drugs activities.

Operation Scorpion saw 117 arrests and 19 people charged across the South West, this equates to 28 arrests and three people charged in Devon and Cornwall.

The rise in theft has been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

In Devon and Cornwall criminal damage and arson saw an increase of 7.9 percent compared to the previous year, which is concern to us, though the force remains within the top 20 forces for these offences.

Vehicle crime saw a positive reduction of 1.5 percent, maintaining the force's position as the fifth-ranked in this category across England and Wales.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez said: ‘I’m pleased that Devon and Cornwall remain among the safest places to live in the country.

‘However, the increase in theft and drug related crime show there is still work to do and this is why I have proposed these are priorities for Devon & Cornwall Police in my next Police and Crime Plan.

‘I am committed to ensuring a firm focus on issues that matter most to those who live and work in our two counties.

‘The public can expect continued robust action against drugs with Operation Scorpion, sending the message that the South West is no place for drugs, alongside my Street Focus project which aims to create a blueprint for improving safety and tackling antisocial behaviour in our communities.’