Violent crime on the rise in parts of Cumbria

According to the Office for National Statistics, violent crime has risen in Carlisle over the last year despite an overall drop in the amount of crime.

Cumbria Constabulary recorded 4,404 incidents of violent crime in Carlisle in the 12 months to June.

The statistic is an increase of seven per cent since last year.

At 40.5 offences per 1,000 people, the figures for Carlisle are far higher than the rate across England and Wales which sits at 29.5.

A main cause of rising figures in Carlisle has been chalked up to stalking and harassment, which rose by 23 per cent, from 1,176 incidents to 1,450.

Offences involving violence without injury were recorded 1,750 times, an increase of six per cent on the previous year. Violence with injury was recorded 1,197, a six per cent drop.

Two homicides, which include murder and manslaughter, was an increase from none in the previous 12 months.

Councillor Elizabeth Mallinson, who is Carlisle City Council's portfolio holder for communities, health and wellbeing, said: "I'm aware of the fact that the crime has dropped and very pleased that it has.

"I am sorry to hear that unfortunately there has been a rise in serious violent crime and we're seeing this reflected in a rise in domestic violence."

Violent crime has also risen in Allerdale despite the overall drop. Cumbria Constabulary recorded 2,885 incidents of violent crime in Allerdale in the 12 months to June – an increase of four per cent on the previous year.

Incidents amount to 29.5 crimes per 1,000 people, in line with the rate across England and Wales.

Offences of violence without injury were recorded 1,108 times, up five per cent on the previous year. Violence with injury was recorded on 805 occasions, down by nine per cent.

The outlook is different in Copeland. The borough has seen a three per cent decrease in crime compared to the previous year. Police recorded 69 crimes per 1,000 people in the borough, far lower than the rate across England and Wales.