CRIME in Cheshire has soared by almost a third, according to the latest crime figures.

The Office of National Statistics, which compares crime recorded between April 2016 and March 2017 with the same period one year later, shows that recorded crime has risen by 21,593 offences across Cheshire.

DCC Darren Martland said: “Although the figures show and increase in overall crime, it is important to understand the context and reasons for the increase.

“Following an inspection of crime recording, conducted in February 2017, Cheshire Constabulary took steps to review our crime recording processes and ensure that we were complying with Home Office counting rules.

"For example, previously, disorder in a public area was recorded as anti-social behaviour but it is now it is recorded as a public order crime which has shown an increase of 79 per cent.”

The constabulary was recently re-inspected and, although the report will not be published until the autumn, it is expected to show a significant improvement from the previous rating of ‘inadequate’.

DCC Martland added: “It is important to add that, in addition to the increases in crime that are is believed to be attributable to the improvement in crime recording, there have been increases in other offences, which include vehicle offences (4.2 per cent), burglary (4.6 per cent) and knife related crime (12.1 per cent compared to a national 21.9 per cent rise).

“The constabulary has recently undertaken an operation to tackle ‘county lines’ which led to 29 people being jailed for more than 180 years for dealing drugs in Cheshire."

Following the publication of the data, Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner is calling on the acting chief constable to explain to the public why crime has increased in Cheshire.

David Keane has invited Janette McCormick to give a public presentation to help Cheshire residents understand why there has been an increase in crime in their area.

Mr Keane said: “While the latest crime statistics for Cheshire don’t show as large an increase as the previous figures released in April - where we saw a 36.4 per cent increase in recorded crime in the 12 months to December 2017 - I am disappointed to see that this time around comparatively with other forces, Cheshire has seen the second highest increase in recorded crime.

“Despite this increase, I would like to reassure residents that Cheshire remains a very safe place to live.”