THE number of sex offences and violent crimes being reported in Wiltshire has risen but the county is still one of the safest in which to live, according to new figures released this week.

The national crime figures revealed Wiltshire Police has the sixth lowest crime rate in England, with 2,706 fewer incidents between April 2009 and March this year – a decrease of seven per cent.

This is the second successive year that crime across the area has fallen by seven per cent, which is consistent with the overall eight per cent decrease in crime nationally.

However, there was a 21 per cent rise in sex offences, though Wiltshire Police are detecting more of these – 34 per cent compared to the average of 28 per cent across similar forces.

Violent crimes against people went up by two per cent, but the force continues to focus on tackling this, with an improved detection rate of 69 per cent.

Other statistics showed a 25 per cent reduction in robberies, a 17 per cent reduction in criminal damage and offences relating to motor vehicles down by 14 per cent.

Acting assistant chief constable Mike Veale said: “The latest year-on-year crime figures show a welcome decrease in reported crime in Swindon and Wiltshire and I am particularly pleased with the above average decreases in robbery and criminal damage – two of the most antisocial categories of crime.

“Wiltshire has shown year-on-year decreases in reported crime but we continue to focus on tackling all crime, particularly involving violence, and we will take every opportunity to bring offenders to justice.”