DEVON is now the fourth safest place in the country to live. Home Office figures revealed crime across both Devon and Cornwall has fallen by almost 8,000 incidents, with an average of 59 incidents per 1,000 population – with the national average being 83.

DEVON is now the fourth safest place in the country to live.

Home Office figures revealed crime across both Devon and Cornwall has fallen by almost 8,000 incidents, with an average of 59 incidents per 1,000 population - with the national average being 83.

Debbie Simpson, acting deputy chief constable, welcomed the news but said work to make the counties safer would continue.

She added: "These latest statistics show that we are winning the battle against the criminal and reducing crime across the board - meaning many thousands less victims.

"We know that crimes such as burglary and violence against a person have a real impact on people's lives and I'm pleased to see substantial reductions.