SEXUAL offences are on the increase in Cheshire, according to latest crime figures, with the highest number recorded nationally since 2003.

However, crime was down overall by eight per cent in the county, the third largest reduction in crime across England and Wales, according to Cheshire Police.

Offences like rape and sexual assault were up by nine per cent, with 979 recorded, although police say they believe this is due to victims feeling more comfortable in coming forward.

There were reductions in burglary, robbery and theft, and vehicle crime.

The figures were taken in the year up to September 2014, and compared to the same period in 2013.

In total, 52,849 crimes were recorded by Cheshire Police.

Dep Chf Con Janette McCormick said: "Whilst we have seen a rise in sexual offences, this highlights the increasing confidence of victims to come forward and report crimes such as these to the police. There has also been strong focus on the needs of the victims and we work alongside all relevant agencies to ensure victims of sexual offences have access to all the help and support they need",

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: "I have placed victims at the centre of policing and it is particularly positive to see that crimes that affect people in their own homes, where they should feel safe, such as burglary have fallen.

"Over the next few months, I will be commissioning services to improve the support provided to victims of all crime but it is pleasing to see this latest set of results which reveal that there are fewer victims in Cheshire."