NATIONAL crime figures have again confirmed North Yorkshire as the safest place in England.

The figures emerged in the latest bulletin issued by the Office of National Statistics for crime in England and Wales in the year up to last December.

There were a total of 36,680 crimes in the county during that period, giving a crime rate of 45.3 per 1,000 of the population.

And although that shows a one per cent rise in crime in comparison to the previous year, it is below the 10 per cent increase in England and Wales and takes into account improved crime recording standards nationally.

Deputy Chief Constable Lisa Winward said: “The fact that North Yorkshire has again been rated as the safest and lowest-crime area in England is something that everyone connected to North Yorkshire Police can take great pride in.

“It also reflects the outstanding partnership working that exists throughout the county and in the City of York, as well as the vital support provided by our local communities who rightly demand a very high level of service in return.

“Thank you to everyone who works so hard to maintain safety and security in our area.”