A SET of crime figures just released for Ivybridge have been described as 'one of the best in the force'.

Last year Ivybridge police recorded a total of 367 crimes between January 1 and Decem-ber 31 – a reduction of 120 compared to the same period in 2012.

These figures were presented at this week's meeting of Ivybridge Town Council.

Insp John Living-stone, from Ivybridge police, said he was pleased the figures are 'going in the right direction'.

He said: 'There is a reduction of 120 crimes, which is going in the right direction and is one of the best in the force.'

When asked whether the reduction coincides with the street pastor iniative, Insp Living-stone said he believes that it has had a 'positive effect' on the town.

'I do believe it has has a very good impact on the town,' he said.

'It is difficult to quantify but they do have a positive effect.

'A lot of things that could have escalated in the past, do not seem to do so as much now.

'The timing of the reduction over the last year coincides with the street pastors.

'Although I can't positively say "yes", in my opinion, it has made a huge difference and they're an excellent facility to have.'

Ivybridge Street Pastors chairman, Caroline Hodgson agreed with Insp Livingstone.

She said: 'It is hard to quantify the relationship between the drop in reported crimes and the presence of the street pastors in Ivybridge over the last 12 months, and to make any direct correlation.

'We do feel that being out on the streets does bring a calming and visible presence, and that it does help our town.

'The fact that the statistics show crime is down is good news all round.'