24 January 2013 Last updated at 07:29 ET

Sex offence rise in Devon and Cornwall says Home Office

Sexual offences have increased in Devon and Cornwall by 5% between April and January, according to the Home Office.

The number of reported sexual offences in the counties rose by 77 to 1,573 compared to 1,496 the previous year.

But recorded crime fell during the same period by 5.5%, with figures revealing 4,054 fewer crimes than 2011/12.

Burglary was down by 24%, robbery by 20% , criminal damage by 12% and vehicle crime by 11%.

Cases of criminal damage were also down by 1,781 crimes, a reduction of 12%.

Assistant Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, Chris Boarland, said that while it had achieved "some significant successes" during this period, areas of concern remained, which will "continue to be proactively worked on".

On the increase in sexual offences, Mr Boarland said: "A better victim focus will give others the confidence to report their incidents to us and we continue to do everything possible to get a positive outcome for victims."