The latest figures from Office of National Statistics have shown that the number of recorded crimes in Cheshire has increased over the past 12 months by 0.1%, the equivalent of 72 crimes.
The data also shows an 18% increase in violent crime, which equates to 2,183 incidents, other crimes which have a significant personal impact on victims continue to fall. These include burglary, which is down by 14% (794 fewer victims), vehicle offences, down by 18.4% (790 fewer victims) and theft offences, down by a further 10.7% (2,164 fewer victims).
Deputy Chief Constable 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.
"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."
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The number and value? Didn't the previous Commissioner ask for money to hire cybercrime specialists? How are they doing?