Crime continues to fall in the county – but 'violence against the person' has seen a worrying near 20% increase.

Cheshire Constabulary says it recorded the fifth largest reduction in crime across England and Wales – and is only one of two forces in the North West to see a fall in figures.

The force points to an overall 1% reduction in crime – or 584 fewer crimes – compared to the previous 12-month period, including the biggest reduction in recorded burglary offences in England and Wales (-19%)

But the data, which covers the period ending September 2015, also reveals some worrying patterns.

While there has been no increase in the most serious violent crimes, violence against the person has seen a 19% increase. Sexual offences have also risen but this is in part down to victims being increasingly confident in reporting these types of crimes.

And the force says the Office of National Statistics data shows crime levels in the county continue to be at their lowest for the past 25 years.

Cheshire Chief Constable Simon Byrne with Deputy Chief Constable Janette McCormick

Deputy Chief Constable Janette McCormick said: “Cheshire once again continues to see a reduction in crimes reported meaning fewer victims and greater confidence that we are delivering on our service commitments to local residents.

“We’re here for local people and I hope these latest figures provide further reassurance that we take all reports of crime seriously, ensure that each is dealt with appropriately, provide victims with the best possible support and work to reduce crime in our communities.

“This is great news for the force and recognises the hard work and achievements of officers and staff who are committed to making Cheshire an even safer place to live.”

There have been further significant reductions in what are known as acquisitive crimes – vehicle offences (-17%), theft (-12%) and robbery (-5%). Drug offences have also declined (-3%) along with criminal damage (-2%).

The release of the latest crime figures comes almost seven months after the force’s new operating model of eight Local Policing Units, supported centrally by a proactive Task Force, was launched.

Cheshire Police launched a crackdown on drink and drug drivers as part of their Operation Blue Christmas

The work of the Task Force has been complemented by a number of high-profile operations targeting drug related activity, cross-border crime and, more recently, over the festive period when Operation Blue Christmas featured a range of crime prevention messages, safety advice and operational activity based around a number of key themes.