The number of violent crimes being reported to police has risen by 89 per cent in Three Rivers, according to figures released last night.

More than 450 violent crimes were recorded in the district between 1 April 2014 and 4 Jan 2015, according to figures presented to Three Rivers District Council last night.

This is compared to 246 violent crimes, which were recorded during the same time period in the previous year.

Chief Inspector Deidre Dent attributed the sharp rise to changes in the way crimes are recorded, but acknowledged there had been increases in reported violent crime.

She said: "There has been an increase in reported violent crime over the past year, this has been effected by the National Crime Recording Standards rule changes and we have had 100% compliance with that process meaning that any suggestion of assault/violence having taken place is recorded regardless of outcome.

"The figures are mainly broken down into Assault with injury and Assault without injury. This year we have seen three GBH crimes – five less than last year with the largest increase in common assault – without injury.

"Also covered in violent crime is harassment and a dog owner allowing a dog out of control in a public place which we have seen a slight increase in."

"We have undertaken a lot of proactive work around violence and supporting victims in making statements and arresting offenders.

"We have introduced additional local support in relation to Domestic Abuse making full use of the Domestic Violence Protection Orders (introduced recently under the Crime and Security Act) and are taking a robust approach with offenders whilst ensuring that victims receive any help they need to rebuild their family’s lives.

"All reports are reviewed by a dedicated officer and referrals made and all investigations are supervised by a Detective Sergeant.

"We are encouraging all victims and witnesses to come forward because the safeguarding of vulnerable people and children in particular are our priority."