NEW figures have revealed violent crime in Cheshire has increased by 18 per cent over the past year.

The latest statistics from the Office of National Statistics show the number of recorded crimes in the county has increased over the past 12 months by just 0.1 per cent – the equivalent of 72 crimes – compared to the previous year.

While the data displays an 18 per cent increase in violent crime, which equates to 2,183 incidents, a number of other crimes, which police say have a 'significant personal impact' on victims, have dropped.

These include burglary, down by 14 per cent, vehicle offences, down by 18.4 per cent, and theft offences, down by 10.7 per cent.

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.

"While 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."