VIOLENT crimes in Cheshire have risen by 18 per cent, new statistics have revealed.

Cheshire Police received 2,183 more incidents of violent crime over the last 12 months compared to the same period the previous year, according to the latest figures from Office of National Statistics.

Overall, recorded crimes in Cheshire have increased slightly over the last 12 months by 0.1 per cent, the equivalent of 72 crimes.

Dep Chief Const Janette McCormick said: “The increase in recorded crime is largely a result of a rise in the number of violent crimes, which has been seen by most police forces in England and Wales.

“One of the reasons behind this increase is national changes introduced to ensure consistency in how crimes are recorded.

“To meet the standards we have introduced dedicated staff to ensure crimes are recorded and categorised accurately.

“For example incidents of disorder in a public area may have been categorised as anti-social behaviour rather than as a crime, and this new way of recording is now being reflected in our data – hence the increase in violent crime.

A number of crimes that have a significant personal impact on victims have fallen These include burglary, which is down by 14 per cent, vehicle offences, down by 18.4 per cent and theft offences, which are down by a further 10.7 per cent.

Dep Chief Const McCormick said: “Whilst it is disappointing to see any increase in crime in Cheshire, it is good to see the crime prevention work and targeted operations we have been doing to protect our communities are having an impact and we continue to see reductions in crimes that have the greatest impact on victims.”

David Keane, the police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, said he has already held discussions with the Chief Constable to better understand the increase in overall recorded crimes and changes in crime trends in the county.

He said he will be undertaking detailed ‘scrutiny’ of the performance and the Constabulary response at the upcoming Scrutiny Board later this month.

He said: “My focus remains to ensure that the Chief Constable is delivering the best possible police service for our communities.”