Police boss says area 'safest in South West'

A police superintendent has said his patch is the best in the Devon and Cornwall force's region for the apprehension of criminals.

Supt Toby Davies, commander for North and West Devon, also said the area had the lowest rate of crime per person, which made it the safest in the South West.

"I'm really proud of our outcome rates," he told a North Devon Council meeting. "It's not just about recording crime but catching the people responsible and we have the highest outcome rate in the force."

Supt Davies, who retires in April after 30 years' service, will be succeeded by Supt Emma Butler-Jones.

He told the meeting that anti-social behaviour in Barnstaple had dropped by a third since street marshals were introduced, the Local Democracy Service reported.

"There has been some really good work across the board, not just in Barnstaple but Ilfracombe too, targeting repeat offenders and implementing community protection orders," he said.

He thanked the community for its support in helping to reduce crime.

In September Mr Davies received an excellence in policing award from the Police Superintendents' Association.

The nomination said he had "a genuine passion for policing" and a "charismatic and enthusiastic style".

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