CRIME in North Yorkshire has risen by twice the national average, according to the latest figures.

Data released today by the Office for National Statistics shows overall crime recorded in England rose by seven per cent in the year to December 2018, but in North Yorkshire, crime rose by 14 per cent in the same period.

Select a crime from the drop-down box below, to see how it has risen or fallen in North Yorkshire in recent years

The force recorded 43,762 crimes in 12 months - an average of 120 per day, or about five every hour.

The highest increases came from stalking and harassment, which increased by 110 per cent in the region to 2,741, compared with 46 per cent nationally.
Sex offences rose by 20 per cent to 1,854 in North Yorkshire, double the national rate, which increased by 10 per cent.

Robbery also rose by 28 per cent in North Yorkshire, with 211 crimes recorded, compared with 11 per cent nationally, and weapons possession offences were up by 33 per cent on the previous year to 309, compared with the national increase of 21 per cent.

Deputy Chief Constable Phil Cain said he was "confident" the figures - like a rise reported earlier this year - were again due to improved crime recording, rather than a genuine increase.

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Mr Cain said: "We have worked hard to make sure our crime recording process has progressed to the required standard, and although this is reflected by an increase in the figures, I want to reassure the public that we are wholeheartedly committed to continually improve the way we tackle crime. 

"It is also important to acknowledge that the figures reflect a continuing pressure on policing demand up and down the country. We will continue to monitor this demand and make sure our resources are where they need to be, when they need to be there."

Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said the increase in crime was "worrying", but "to be expected as part of the changes we are making to ensure we record all crimes accurately and properly".

York Press: New pix of Julia Mulligan – poss to go with feature  (6095617)

Mrs Mulligan said: "Despite this, North Yorkshire remains statistically the safest place in England and that, along with the investment in policing across the county, will I hope provide reassurance that the Chief Constable is putting place the measures needed to ensure communities are safe and feel safe.

"Of course, we must not be complacent, and any rise is worrying. I understand that there will be concern at another increase, and we are taking action to ensure that more visible, local policing addresses any genuine increase in crime. The current recruitment for additional PCSOs, and future recruitment of 50 additional police officers – funded by the precept – will boost the presence of North Yorkshire Police on our streets and I hope make a real difference for residents and businesses."

The only falls in crime recorded by North Yorkshire Police in the year to December 2018 were in the number of bike thefts - down one per cent to 1,177 - and shoplifting offences - which fell to 4,448, a decline of four per cent.