VIOLENT crime recorded in Warrington has risen by nearly 30 per cent in the past year.

But the number of house burglaries and car thefts has gone down.

Statistics from Cheshire Police revealed that there were around 3,000 fewer victims of crime in the county than in 2003/2004 and that the total number of crimes recorded had fallen by three per cent.

This includes property crime, with house burglaries falling by nearly 30 per cent, and vehicle crime dropping by 10 per cent.

A statement from Cheshire Constabulary said: "Vehicle crime, viewed by the criminal as a victimless crime, can act as a catalyst for other more serious crimes, including armed robbery, so this reduction is particularly important.

"The police service has experienced rises in the number of crimes being reported, in part due to the changes to the way in which crimes are recorded. Violent crime is one of the categories that has shown significant rises. The police force has made greater efforts to ensure that this type of offence is recorded - even where the victim is reluctant to give evidence. Over the past year, in particular, steps were taken to make more accurate records of incidents of domestic violence."

Violent crime has risen by 11 per cent in Cheshire, with the majority of these recorded incidents falling into a less serious category, such as common assault and harassment.

There has also been an increase of close to 20 per cent in the number of offences brought to justice.

A spokesman added: "The constabulary acknowledges that there is still work to be done to further reduce crime. The introduction of neighbourhood policing units across the force area over the next few weeks will deliver policing services locally and, by working with communities to address issues of crime and disorder, the constabulary aims to reduce the number of crimes being reported over the forthcoming year."