NEW crime figures have revealed a sharp rise in violent and sexual offences - but police chiefs say the increases reflect improvements in recording methods and a rise in public trust.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows a 48 per cent rise in sexual crimes and an 18 per cent rise in violent incidents in the North-East in the 12 months to the end of September last year.

Across the North-East, overall crime levels remained static with a total of 140,673 offences recorded over the 12-month period.

Fewer crimes were recorded in the Cleveland and Northumbria police areas.

However, crime in the Durham Constabulary area increased by eight per cent, with sexual offences rising by 72 per cent and violence up by 36 per cent.

The force also saw a sharp rise in shoplifting and drug offences - 24 per cent and 20 per cent increases respectively - although vehicle crime fell by 11 per cent.

Responding to the figures, Durham police and crime commissioner Ron Hogg said increase in sexual offences largely related to a higher volume of historical incidents.

He said he was heartened that Durham Constabulary’s ongoing investigation of the Medomsley Detention Centre illustrated that victims had the confidence to come forward.

“I robustly monitor all types of crime on behalf of the public across County Durham and Darlington, ensuring that the victim remains at the heart of everything we do,” he added.

Gillian Porter, Durham Constabulary's head of performance, added that while any rises were unwelcome, County Durham and Darlington remained a very safe place to live with overall low levels of crime.

She added: "We believe the increases in violence against the person and sexual offences can be attributed largely to improved standards of crime recording, victims having greater confidence to come forward and report to police and also a large number of historic cases coming to light."

In the Cleveland area, violence offences dropped by one per cent, although sexual crimes increased by 14 per cent.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Simon Nickless said: "Like many areas in the country we have seen an increase in reporting, including historical cases, and are working with a number of agencies to offer support and bring people to justice."

In North Yorkshire, overall crime levels remained the same on the previous year, although sexual offences increased by 32 per cent and violence was up by 11 per cent.

Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire’s police and crime commissioner, said the figures showed the county remained the second safest place to live in England.