VIOLENT crime recorded in Wiltshire rose by nearly a third last year, according to the latest figures.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data show violence offences were up 31 per cent in the year to September, while public order offences more than doubled.

Overall crime rose by 12 per cent both in Wiltshire and nationally.

As in previous years, Wiltshire police bosses have said this does not mean there has been any "significant increase in criminality" and are "confident" this is down to more accurate recording of offences, as call levels remain stable.

The statistics are "not entirely accurate or reliable measures of crime", Wiltshire Police says, as forces up and down the country continue to improve the way they record offences.

These efforts have had a "significant effect" on crime figures, Wiltshire Police said.

Police commissioner Angus Macpherson said: “Members of the public may worry when they see the number of recorded crimes increasing.

"Since 2014 changes to crime recording have impacted on results.

“Although it is unsettling, the change to recording is necessary. The quality of information recorded has improved dramatically."

But Mr Macpherson said he was not being complacent and said he and the chief constable, Mike Veale, were "watching closely for any increases".

Assistant chief constable Kier Prichard said similar increases were being seen across England and Wales.

“It is vital that we get crime recording right to give us a true picture of crime in the county, which enables us to put the right resources in the right place at the right time, policing efficiently and effectively," he said.

“While the statistics published today do not represent a significant increase in actual criminality, we must always remain alert to any increase and make efforts to tackle it."

The force said Wiltshire Police "continues to have a low rate of serious violence, drug offences and theft offences".

Some harassment cases are now being recorded as violent offences, contributing to the rise in recorded violent crime.

The fact that recorded public order offences have more than doubled (up by 105 per cent) is because anti-social behaviour figures are now included, the police said.

Car crime is up, including thefts from vehicles, after an all-time low in February 2015.

House burglaries have increased by seven per cent, and Wiltshire Police says it has a plan to tackle the crime through "proactive policing" and a "crime prevention awareness campaign".

A new scheme where a forensic officer will attend every burglary is being trialled.