NEW figures published this week show the impact of coronavirus on recorded crime.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) quarterly crime report reveals a drop in overall crime nationally in the months of April to June, partly covering when the country was in full lockdown.

Excluding fraud and computer misuse, there were a total of 1,062,098 crimes recorded by police forces in England and Wales, compared to 1,274,534 over the previous three months.

North Yorkshire Police’s own crime reporting reveals burglary, theft, vehicle crime and criminal damage showed a marked decrease which can be attributed to the national lockdown imposed on March 23.

Whilst violent crime in the county showed a minor increase year on year thought to be a result of a change in reporting – this also experienced a decrease through the months of April and May, another change due to the lockdown.

The number of sexual crimes recorded by North Yorkshire Police have decreased, but reporting rates have not fallen at the same pace.

Levels of reported domestic abuse have continued to rise year on year.

North Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable, Mark Pannone, said: “It is clear to see the impact of Covid-19 and the national lockdown on these latest figures and whilst this has meant some reduction in crime, we must not be complacent.

"We know the need for community support and helping individuals to feel safe is more important than ever before."