Recorded crime in Cornwall has decreased slightly according to new figures announced today, however sexual offences, domestic abuse and shoplifting have all risen sharply.

Overall crime between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2014 went down by 0.4%, 87 fewer crimes than the previous year.

There have been substantial reductions in vehicle offences (22% or 391 crimes), robbery (20.2% or 20 crimes), dwelling burglary (7.7% or 70 crimes), criminal damage (7.6% or 363 crimes) and non-dwelling burglary (7.3% or 113 crimes), with historically low crime levels for dwelling burglaries and vehicle offences.

In some areas crime levels have gone up, including public order offences (22.8% or 279 crimes), sexual offences (19.6% or 105 crimes), domestic abuse (13.8% or 333 crimes), shoplifting (12.8% or 245 crimes) and violence without injury (10.9% or 270 crimes).

Chief Superintendent Julie Fielding, Cornwall commander, welcomed the reduction in crime but acknowledged there are some areas which need more attention.

Ch Supt Fielding said: “These figures show that, overall, crime is down in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and we are moving in the right direction.

“It is broadly a positive picture and we have had particular progress in the county over the past year in tackling victim-based crimes such as burglary, vehicle offences and robbery.

“This can be attributed to the really positive and proactive work which has taken place across the county and I would like to pay tribute to our officers and staff for their effort and dedication.

“There are still challenges ahead however and we are aware that we need to focus on improving areas of our service such as public order, domestic abuse, shoplifting and sexual offences.

“We plan to tackle these challenges head-on and we have already put in place local initiatives which we hope will begin to have a positive impact in the coming months.

“In particular, we will continue to work with our partners and local communities to look closely at the issues facing all parts of the county and we will strive to find local solutions.

“We have laid the foundation stones and we now need to build on these to ensure that Cornwall remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”