Police in Regina have noted a significant increase in crime — including auto thefts and sexual assaults — during the first three months of 2016 compared to the same time period a year ago.

The statistics were released Wednesday.

They show the following increases:

Auto theft: 97 per cent (234 cases, up from 119).

Sexual Assault: 75 per cent (42 cases, up from 24).

Robbery: 15 per cent (63 cases, up from 55).

Business break-ins: 88 per cent (60 cases, up from 32).

According to the report, police have been paying close attention to the increases, especially the jump in auto thefts.

"The Regina Police Service in conjunction with its partners in the Stolen Auto Strategy continues to pay constant attention to this issue," the report said.