STARTLING figures show crime rates have increased more in the Braintree district than anywhere else in the county.

Statistics show there has been a rise in all crime offences by 24.4 percent across the district - 5.7 more than Southend which has seen the next highest rise.

The Essex Police numbers compare 2016/17 figures to 2017/18 statistics with the Braintree also topping the list for increases in drug, violence and theft.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Our latest figures show that Braintree, like most policing districts nationally, has experienced an increase in crime.

"However, the district has also bucked the trend in some areas and has seen dramatic decreases with burglary falling 10.2 percent and theft of motor vehicles falling 17.2 percent.

"We have also arrested 97 more people this year – an increase of 13.3 percent.

"Recently statistics have shown that reports of violence against the person have increased. The majority of this rise has been due to more stalking and harassment offences being reported.

"While much of this is down to changes in Home Office counting rules, this also demonstrates an increased confidence in reporting. Our response to these types of offences has been firm, with 75 people arrested for these crimes - an increase of 66.7 percent.

"We continue to urge people to come forward and report their crimes to us. We also rely on your information to help us combat crime."

Labour councillor David Mann said: "'It's good if there really is an increased confidence in reporting crime but it's not so clever if there are fewer police and PCSOs to respond.

"I don't blame those at the sharp end trying to do the job because the police are underfunded.

"You can't do security on the cheap and cuts make it harder for them to keep our streets safe.

"It impacts on visible policing, response times and clear up rates which are all important to local residents."