CRIME in Craven has fallen over the past 12 months although statistics reveal violent offences are still on the increase.

Between April 1 2004 and March 31 this year 3,374 crimes were reported - 155 less than the same period the year before.

But 818 violent crimes were committed during 2004/2005, compared to 600 the year before.

The Craven force is broken down into five local areas - Skipton, Cross Hills, Grassington, Ingleton and Settle - and, apart from the latter, all have seen a surge in violent incidents.

Skipton has seen an additional 148 offences, bringing the figure to 532. Cross Hills (119), Grassington (37) and Ingleton (76) saw a rise of 50, 20 and three respectively. Settle (54) recorded three less incidents.

Local police commander Chief Inspector Chris Chelton explained that the rise in violent crime figures could be put down to the system of recording this type of offence.

For example a person arrested for being disorderly would be classed as having perpetrated a violent crime.

Nevertheless, he added, there were a number of ideas in the pipeline to turn the tide on violent crime.

He said: "I am particularly keen to look at the car park opposite Bliss where historically the existing wall around the car park has been a place for late night revellers to sit and loiter once the club has closed.

"We are exploring the feasibility of replacing that with some alternative demarcation for the car park."

He added that Craven Crime Reduction Partnership had footed the bill for an upgrade in the closed circuit television system around the town and he had been liaising with colleagues to make sure the Skipton cameras were being monitored at key public order hot spots.

Chief Inspector Chelton said officers would continue to maintain a high visibility presence on the streets each weekend and make regular visits to the town's pubs.

High on the police's agenda for this year is tackling anti-social behaviour, particularly among youths.

The chief inspector said police would need the help of other agencies and the public in doing this.

He added: "Not every youth on a street corner is out to cause grief to the people who live on the street or intent on committing damage or vandalism.

"We are aware that it's a small hardcore of ring leaders that are responsible for the greatest incidents of offending and it's this group that I particularly want to single out."

Over the past year, Craven officers have detected 35.5 per cent of crimes, hitting its target of 35 per cent.

But it has increased its target for next year and will be striving to detect at least 40 per cent of all crimes.

Officers will be focusing their attention on burglary and low level crime, such as damage.

Out of all Craven's five areas, Ingleton is the only one to have seen an overall rise in crime with 28 more offences.

This increase can partially be accounted for by a spate of house burglaries in the Ingleton, Burton-in-Lonsdale and Austwick areas. Two men have been arrested.

In Skipton 71 fewer offences were committed, in Cross Hills there was a drop of 51, Grassington saw a reduction of 21 and Settle, a fall of 40.

Chief Inspector Chelton added: "I am very pleased with the performance of Craven district. It contributed to an outstanding performance by North Yorkshire Police in nearly every key area."

He praised police officers and staff for their enthusiasm and commitment and said he would be urging them to continue to work to the highest professional standards.