KINGSBRIDGE police have noted that Thursday, July 9, was the first anniversary of the last crime in the parish of Charleton.

Sergeant Dave Green of Kingsbridge police, said: 'Even by the peaceful standards of the Kingsbridge area, it is still a remarkable record for an entire parish to go a whole year without recording a single crime.

'Of course, this unbroken run will not continue indefinitely and police always encourage people to continue locking their doors and securing their property.

'It is certainly no time for complacency, but this milestone should hopefully reassure people that the South Hams is one of the safest corners of the country – a fact those of us lucky enough to live here should celebrate.'

The last crime recorded in Charleton parish was a personal argument classed as a 'domestic incident' involving a public order offence and a common assault.

'Domestic' in police terms is an incident or pattern of incidents involving people aged over 16 who 'have or have ever been intimate partners' or 'close family members'.

Charleston Parish Council chair, Rex Brown, said it showed 'how lucky we are to live in such a wonderful area'.