CHILD arrest figures across the county have fallen by 68 per cent in the last five years, more than the national 59 per cent decrease.

The latest figures from all police forces around England and Wales show a continuing steep decline in arrests of boys and girls aged 17 and below.

The national decline is higher than first thought after British Transport Police published new figures following a previous error in their reporting.

The Howard League for Penal Reform has reported figures for all areas, after making freedom of information requests for data from all police services in England and Wales.

In Devon and Cornwall 4,132 arrests were made in 2010; 3,363 in 2011; 2,398 in 2012; 1,431 in 2013; 1,470 in 2014; and 1,297 in 2015. These figures show a yearly decline, in line with other forces, and a total 68 per cent decrease from 2010 to 2015.

Across England and Wales the total number of child arrests were 245,763 in 2010 and 101,926 in 2015, a 59 per cent decrease.

Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: ‘I applaud the police for their success in reducing child arrests.

‘The Howard League is proud to have played its part in a significant change to the policing and life chances of children.

‘It’s particularly gratifying that the reduction in child arrests matches the reduction in custody for children, and it is no coincidence.

‘We have stemmed the flow of children into the justice system and the consequential downward spiral into crime and custody.’

The Howard League for Penal Reform is the oldest penal reform charity in the world, at 150 years old. It’s a national charity working for less crime, safer communities and fewer people in prison.

Child arrests in England and Wales 2015 can be read on the Howard League website at www.howardleague .org.