RECORDED crime in Okehampton rose by 3% in 2015, according to recent figures provided by West Devon Sector Inspector Mark Sloman.

312 criminal offences were reported in Okehampton in 2015, compared with 303 in 2014.

Robbery and possession of weapons had both seen small increases with zero incidents reported in 2014 and one of each incident reported in 2015.

Vehicle offences were down by 30% with ten incidents in 2014 compared with seven in 2015.

Possession of drugs incidents had also decreased by 57.7% with 26 in 2014 and 11 in 2014, while drug trafficking offences saw an increase of 66.7% from three in 2014 to five in 2015.

Despite a rise in recorded crime, Okehampton saw a 20% decrease in recorded incidents, with 1,284 in 2014 compared with 1,024 in 2015.

Incidents of anti-social behaviour saw a decrease of 27.9% with 183 offences in 2014 and 132 in 2015.

Inspector Mark Sloman said: ’We have seen an increase in non-dwelling burglaries from four in 2014 to 13 in 2015 — this is due to a spate of shed burglaries which took place at the end of the year. The burglaries were in the Chagford area and we are currently still investigating.

’Very little has changed – we have seen an increase in incidents of violence with injury by just over five per cent but this is only three extra crimes and is a lower increase than the rest of the force.

’The number of dwelling burglaries also increased by 66 per cent but again this is only a rise of four, with six offences in 2014 and ten in 2015 – we would rather concentrate on the number of offences rather than the percentages.

’Despite some of the figures we are seeing a decrease in crime and that is due to working well with our partners, which we will continue to do, and the hard work of our PCSOs – who will be with us for another two years at least. West Devon is still one of the safest areas in the country.’