Stalking, arson and robbery on the rise

But figures show North Yorkshire is lowest in the country

‘We are not satisfied and we will not become complacent’

North Yorkshire remains the lowest crime area in England despite a 7% increase in recorded crime.

Statistics published last week show a total of 39,077 crimes were reported in North Yorkshire between April 2017 and March 2018.

This is a rise of 7% compared to the previous 12-month period giving the area a crime rate of 47.9 per 1,000 of the population. It is the lowest crime rate in England with the average standing at 83.5, according to the report published by the Office of National Statistics.

This 7% local increase in crime is below the 13% national average increase.

Drug offences, theft from a person and bicycle thefts have all dropped while the number of burglary, robbery, criminal damage and arson offences increased.

The offences which have risen the most include:

•Violence without injury which is up 20% to 4,495

•Vehicle offences is up 17% to 2,443

•Harrassment and stalking has increased by 14% to 1,418

•Shoplifting has risen by 14% to 4,699.

Sexual offences are also up by 10% but North Yorkshire Police say this is a result of confidence victims have in the force – particularly those making historical complaints in the wake of high profile cases. Gun and knife possession offences in North Yorkshire rose by 14 to 174 incidents. Temporary Chief Constable Lisa Winward said: “This reflects the professionalism and dedication of everyone connected to North Yorkshire Police, the effective partnership working with our local authorities and other community groups, and the vital support from local residents.

“While the 7% increase in crime in our area is lower than the 13% increase nationally, we are not satisfied and we will not become complacent.”

In March, there were the equivalent of 1,350 full-time officers in North Yorkshire – a drop of 28 on March 2017.

The figures also show that less time was being spent on frontline policing – 1,163 officers were available for frontline duties in March this year, down 68 from 2017.