OVERALL crime figures for Cheshire Police continue to fall but the number of reports of sexual offences is on the rise, recent data from the Office of National Statistics has revealed.

The latest statistics place Cheshire Constabulary in sixth place in terms of the largest reductions in crime in England and Wales.

For 2014, there has been an overall reduction in crime of 3.9 per cent compared to the previous 12 months.

But, while the figures for sexual offences has risen, the constabulary has put this down to the increasingly confidence shown by victims to come forward and report these crimes.

Deputy chief constable Janette McCormick said: "We recently published the financial year end statistics which showed that crime in the county is down by nearly 5 per cent up to the end March 2015 and is at its lowest rate since the early 1990s.

"However, crime statistics are only part of the picture and the Constabulary is continuing to tackle crime with a number of new and large scale operations such as Operation Hatay and Crossbow.

"These are two high profile operations which targeted both wanted offenders and those using the county′s roads to commit crime."

John Dwyer, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire said these figures proved that the constabulary is 'performing well'.

He added: "The 3.9 per cent fall in crime is a stark figure but it actually means 2,171 fewer victims of crime.

"The constabulary has taken positive steps and introduced initiatives which target offenders but also assist the public in keeping themselves safe."