Crime across North Yorkshire rose by 14 per cent last year — but the county remains the safest place in the country, says the police commissioner.
Recorded crime figures for the year ending December 2018 from the Office of National Statistics show there was a big rise in stalking and harassment — up 110 per cent rise — public order offences, which saw a 56 per cent increase and possession of offensive weapons — up 33 per cent.
Violence against a person increased by 32 per cent and there was a 28 per cent rise in the number of robberies, while sexual offences increased by 20 per cent.
However, the was also a four per cent fall in shoplifting offences and a one percent drop in bike thefts.
“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.”
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