CRIME across West Yorkshire has risen by 8 per cent in the last year according to the latest figures.

The data, from the Office for National Statistics, indicates a rapid rise in the number of reports of stalking and harassment in the year to June 2019 - up a massive 56 per cent across the region.

Other large increases were in violence against the person and public order offences (both 23 per cent); possession of weapons offences (22 per cent); robbery (21 per cent); and drug offences (20 per cent).

The latest figures also indicates a fall of 13 per cent in bicycle theft reports, as well as falling burglary, shoplifting, theft, criminal damage and arson.

It brings the total recorded crimes across West Yorkshire to 296,160, compared to 143,514 in South Yorkshire, 102,654 in Humberside and 45,839 in North Yorkshire.

Despite the rise in total recorded crimes, it is the lowest increase in the last four years, after a high of 24 per cent in 2016.

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said it confirmed "the rate of increase in crime in West Yorkshire is now decreasing".

“Whilst we do not want to see any increased risk of being a victim of crime in West Yorkshire, I am pleased that we appear to be seeing a fall in recorded incidents of crime, including theft, burglary and criminal damage and arson."

He added: “Work around tackling serious violence, including surge activity by West Yorkshire Police to tackle knife crime, Operation Jemlock, and the creation of a Violence Reduction Unit, bringing partners together to look at early intervention and prevention initiatives, remain ongoing and will continue to make a positive impact in those areas blighted by violence and serious crime.

“I regularly meet with the Chief Constable to explore the further measures which can be considered and put in place to both prevent and address the issues emerging from crime patterns and trends, which are continually monitored by my office.

“The data shows rises in violence against the person, and although some of that could be down to improved recording, it is a situation we are closely monitoring with West Yorkshire Police and our partners and it also reflects the national picture, with rises in possession of weapons and drug offences."