POLICE say crime has dropped 2.1 per cent in Newquay over the past 12 months.

It follows 154 offences recorded in the town during November, which is a slight increase on the 147 recorded in October.

There was one recorded offence of a business burglary in November, one residential burglary, 15 criminal damage, five rape, five other sexual offences, 15 public order offences, three robbery, 15 other theft and six shoplifting.

Police also recorded 25 stalking and harassment offences, two possession of weapons, two trafficking of drugs, 15 violence with injury, 32 violence without injury, miscellaneous crime against society five, theft from person three, one vehicle offence and one theft of bicycle.

Inspector Steve Johnson revealed the crime figures during Newquay Town Council’s meeting on Wednesday, December 3.

Insp Johnson said: “In relation to the last month’s figures, although the overall figures remain in the similar area, there are a few rises to note.

“Misc offences against society refers to preparatory offences such as going equipped, or having items for fraud, but can include others such as driving without a license.

“Violence without injury has shown as an increase with violence with Injury showing a decrease. Sexual Offences show a rise, which is as a result of a person exposing themselves and the rape reports can fluctuate for a number of reasons. All of those reports are live investigations.

“Some decreases include vehicle offences and possession of drugs.

“In general terms crime in Newquay is down 2.1 per cent over the last 12 months and down 7.6 per cent in the last 28 days. This demonstrates the sensitivity in the relatively small numbers we are talking about as the month of November shows a slight increase, so a few days can make a difference.”