SERIOUS violent crime has dropped across Teignbridge, but otherwise latest figures for the six months April to September show a mixed picture.

Police chiefs emphasised that overall crime levels are low, making this one of the safest parts of the country.

Teignbridge West sector, which covers Newton Abbot, Bovey Tracey, Ashburton, Buckfastleigh and parts of the moor, saw a 2.4 per cent drop in crime. In Teignbridge East, which covers Teignmouth, Dawlish and Chudleigh, crime rose 11 per cent.

Teignbridge East sector Insp Chris Shaw said this had to be put in the context of a 20 per cent drop last year, the best in the force area but difficult to sustain.

High visibility foot patrols in Newton Abbot and Teignmouth town centres on Friday and Saturday nights have reaped dividends in reducing alcohol-related violence linked to the night-time economy, said Newton Abbot police chief Insp David Hammond.

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