THE number of claims made against Devon and Cornwall Police have more than doubled in five years, a Freedom of Information (FOI) has shown.

In 2019/20 there were 45 claims made against the force, compared with 2023/24 when 97 claims were made.

Two of the 45 claims in 2019/20 were settled, whereas seven were settled in 2023/24.

The total cost of damages to Devon and Cornwall Police in 2019/20 was £32,250 and in 2023/24 it was £30,837.

The period covering 2022/23 proved to be an especially expensive year, with the force paying out £136,120 as 11 of the 88 claims made were settled.

The reasons for the claims vary and include everything from trespass and harassment to unlawful arrest and damage to property.