WILTSHIRE has the fourth lowest crime rate in the country, according to figures released yesterday.

The stats show Wiltshire’s two per cent overall reduction in crime in is better than the national average of 0.5 per cent.

But violent crimes and sex offences are on the up, both nationally and locally.

Violent crimes rose by 18 per cent in Wiltshire (1142 extra offences) compared with a 16 per cent national rise.

Sex offences increased by 20 per cent (149 extra offences) compare to 22 per cent across England and Wales.

The figures revealed Wiltshire had the fifth lowest robbery rate and the fourth lowest domestic burglary rate.

Car crime in the county plummeted by 18 per cent, with 604 fewer incidents than in 2013, compared with a six per cent national reduction.

Chief Constable Patrick Geenty said: “It is good to see that, in the main, crime is still reducing in Wiltshire.

“It is reassuring to see that the work we are doing has had tangible success and we shall continue to work closely with our partners as a victim-focused police service.

“We are in line with the national picture around violence and have a good understanding of how improved recording practices have impacted on the amount of recorded sex offences. Rest assured we will not become complacent in these areas.”

The figures, provided by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), cover October 2013 to September 2014.

Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: “Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour is one of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.

“These latest figures add weight to the recent finding by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary that Wiltshire Police do a good job in investigating crime.

“The force has taken action to improve the quality of crime recording by officers and to encourage the reporting of crime by victims of sexual offences.

“I have provided funding for more independent domestic violence advisors and this is helping victims to have the confidence to come forward and speak to officers.

“I am pleased that Wiltshire has maintained its position as one of the safest force areas in the country.”