THE latest crime figures are the first in recent years which show an increase or freeze in virtually all categories.

As reported here, recorded crime in North Yorkshire rose by 13 per cent - 5 per cent above the national average - in the 12 months to September 2018, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The graph below shows the percentage changes for each year from 2015, and reveals the year to September 2018 was the first to see just one crime type fall - 'Miscellaneous Crimes', which fell by one per cent.

In comparison, the 12 months to September 2017 saw drops in thefts, burglaries, vehicle and drug offences, the 12 months to September 2016 saw drops in robberies and drug offences, and the year to September 2015 saw drops in thefts, burglaries and weapon possession.

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan said the latest increase in crime across the region made for "alarming headlines", but represented "a small genuine increase in crime", coupled with improved crime recording by the force.