THE NUMBER of violent crimes reported to police in Avon and Somerset has soared by almost 50 per cent in the past year, according to official statistics.

Released today by the Office of National Statistics, the figures show that overall crime in the region has increased, and Avon and Somerset Police have said that their budgets and workforce are being increasingly stretched by the increase in crime.

The figures show there were 14,333 reports of crimes classed as violence without injury have, jumping by 48 per cent, with 2,655 sexual offences reported to officers, an increase of 33 per cent compared to last year.

In other offences, the number of public order offences has also increased by 33 per cent to 7,114, with reports of possession of weapon offences also increasing by 15 per cent to 464.

Robbery offences reported to officers also increased by 10 per cent to 915, with domestic burglary also jumped by 10 per cent.

However, the number of drug offences reported to police plummeted compared to last year, with just 3,579 reported, a fall of 33 per cent.

Miscellaneous crimes against society also fell by 18 per cent to 1,235, with criminal damage and arson reports also falling marginally to 14,075.

Avon and Somerset is in line with national trends, with reports of sexual offences increasing by 36 per cent and violent crime increase by 27 per cent.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Nationally, there has been an increase in the reporting of all types of crime, with significant rises in violence against the person and sexual offences.

“These figures have been mirrored in Avon and Somerset, with a comparatively lower increase in sexual offences (33 per cent compared with 36 per cent nationally).

“We always encourage victims of all types of crime, particularly those traditionally under-reported, to speak with us and get the help and support they need.

“We work closely with a number of organisations do this, such as The Bridge, Avon and Somerset’s sexual assault referral centre.

"Overall, these figures show that victims continue to have increased confidence in reporting all types of incidents.

“Putting victims first and tackling serious sexual offences are force-wide and Police and Crime Commissioner priorities and we are absolutely committed to recording and investigating any such reports and encouraging victims to come forward.

“We are now also dealing with new and emerging crimes like online fraud and cybercrime, which highlights the constant challenge police forces across the country face.

“As a force we have a working group, drawing specialists from various parts of the force to meet the challenge of this new form of crime.

“Various scams have been highlighted and advice provided.

“We are also working with Zephyr, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and Action Fraud to ensure that we can provide the best response to victims while targeting organised crime.

“We have a few recent cases where we've successfully imprisoned fraudsters and also those selling stolen goods via the internet.

“As a force, we have noticed a particular increase in the demands on our resources and we continue to work tirelessly to ensure that victims of all types of crime, be it old or new types, get the treatment and service which they expect and deserve.

“Also notable is the 30 per cent decrease in drug offences in Avon and Somerset set against a national drop of just 17 per cent for the period.”

Avom and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “Tackling domestic and sexual violence is one of my policing priorities and a lot of work is being done to give victims the confidence to come forward and report.

"We have some incredible support services for survivors across Avon and Somerset including Lighthouse integrated victim care, Independent Sexual Violence Advisors and The Bridge, Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).

"These services and many others in the area are clearly putting victims first, helping them to take control and report to the police.

“Crime recording and data integrity is an ongoing focus for Avon and Somerset Constabulary and I continue to oversee this important area of work.

"With increasing demand from emerging crimes, changes to the way crime is recorded and fewer resources than ever before, the police are experiencing challenging times.

"However, I hope local people will see these results and know that the police are concentrating on the things that matter to them, with the aim of reducing crime and fear of crime.”

Full table of results for Avon and Somerset

Violence without injury – 14, 333 change +48 per cent

Sexual offences – 2,655 change +33 per cent

Robbery – 915 change +10 per cent

Theft offences – 49,442 change 0 per cent

Burglary – 10,779 +2 per cent change

Domestic burglary – 4,577 +10 per cent change

Non-domestic burglary – 6,202 -2 per cent change

Vehicle offences - 9,347 +3 per cent change

Theft from person – 1,402 -3 per cent

Bicycle theft – 3,141 7 per cent change

Shoplifting – 11,442 -4 per cent change

All other theft offences – 13,331 -1 per cent change

Criminal damage and arson – 14,075 -1 per cent change

Drug offences – 3,579 -30 per cent change

Possession of weapon offences – 464 +15 per cent change

Public order offences – 7,114 +33 per cent change

Miscellaneous crimes against society – 1,235 -18 per cent change