THE number of crimes recorded across West Yorkshire has risen sharply by almost a quarter compared to last year, new figures show.

The crime survey data released by the Office for National Statistics covering the 12 months to June 2016 shows recorded crime has gone up by 24.5 per cent, from 169,120 reports to 210,497.

A dramatic increase was seen in the number of recorded violent crimes without injury, which jumped 86.6 per cent on the previous year. In addition 84.6 per cent more public order offences were recorded in West Yorkshire up to June.

The recording of offences relating to the possession of a weapon also increased by 41.2 per cent, and crimes of violence with injury were up 34.7 per cent.

The only recorded crime which fell during this period was non-domestic burglary, which fell slightly by 5.9 per cent, or 766 incidents.

But police bosses in the region said the majority of the rise was due to improved recording practices, and that their own analysis indicated the actual rise in the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime was less than four per cent.

West Yorkshire Police temporary Deputy Chief Constable John Robins said: “Along with many other Forces up and down the country, over the last year we have made changes to the way we record crime. 

“It is these changes in recording practice that give the headline figure of a 24 per cent rise in recorded crime. However, our own analysis shows that the actual likelihood of becoming a victim of crime in West Yorkshire has risen by four per cent in the last year.

“We remain totally committed to reducing crime, re-offending and anti-social behaviour, protecting the vulnerable and supporting victims and witnesses.

“We are pleased to be currently recruiting additional police officers and Police and Community Support Officers who will all provide a highly visible and reassuring presence on the streets of West Yorkshire in the coming years.”

He added that the increase in recorded crime also came at a time when the Force had seen an increase in demand which had been putting added pressure on the service and staff.

“Police officers and staff are increasingly dealing with complex and complicated issues on a daily basis that require a lot of time and resources to keep people safe. This is a large part of our work that is not recognised in recorded crime statistics,” he said.

West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson said: “No-one wants to see a rise in crime in their community but this latest increase should be put into context given the effect crime recording changes continue to have and building a wider picture of policing demand on protecting the vulnerable. “The statistics released today give an overview but are not fully reflective of the difficult work West Yorkshire Police carry out on a day to day basis keeping our communities safe.

“We are seeing a rise in complex and demanding cases involving safeguarding vulnerable people and this important daily work is not fully reflected in these figures.”