VIOLENT and sexual offences have increased in Warrington, according to the latest data.

Figures from Police.uk show that crime in Warrington rose as a whole between June and July.

In June there were 1,674 reported incidents, and this rose to 1,695 in July - which is the latest data that has been supplied.

The largest amount of crimes reported were categorised as 'violent and sexual offences.'

In July there were 727 of these incidents, which is up from the 712 reported the month before.

Compared with the rest of the reported crimes, violent and sexual offences were almost three times higher than the next-most reported incidents - anti-social behaviour.

The fewest number of crimes reported in July were 'thefts from another person,' which accounted for eight of the total reported incidents.

However, crimes such as shoplifting and vehicle crime were down significantly from June.

Shoplifting fell by 31 per cent, and vehicle crime dipped by 17 per cent, too.

Possession of weapons, drugs, robbery, and bicycle theft all remained at a consistent level from June to July.

Of all reported crimes, as of the end of September, 686 are still under investigation.

643 incidents were dropped because 'further action' or 'further investigation' was not in the public interest, the suspect could not be prosecuted, or because the suspect(s) could not be identified.

This means that almost 38 per cent of all reported crimes did not lead to prosecution.