THE new chairman of North Yorkshire Police Federation said a fall in recorded crime is due to “the hard work and professionalism” of the force.

While the national crime rate rose by 11 per cent across England, recorded crime in North Yorkshire fell in the 12 months to the end of March 2017 by two per cent - despite the force having fewer officers than it had in 2012.

Rob Bowles, chair of the federation, said: “The reduction in police officer numbers nationally is a cause for concern.

“In common with the national trend officer numbers in North Yorkshire have declined over recent years meaning they are having to work harder to achieve these results; facing more demand with fewer resources.

"We welcome the fact that North Yorkshire Police are recruiting and their commitment to reach 1,400 officers.”

The figures showed burglary fell by 13 per cent (down 537 on the previous year), drug offences fell by 12 per cent (down 223), and vehicle offences were down 11 per cent (265 down on last year).

However, during the same period sex crime rose by 20 per cent.