Crime has risen in North East in last 12 months

The rise was 12% overall for the region, and 14% under the jurisdiction of Northumbria Police. In Durham Police’s area, though, there was a drop for the year of 2%.

Sunderland MP says fight will go on to protect policing as figures show big drop in force numbers

For violent crime, within Northumbria Police’s area, the increase for the year was 29%, with that figure up 17% for Durham Police. For sexual offences, the rises were 60% and 6% respectively.

The statistics were uncovered by trade union Unison, whose general secretary Dave Prentis says it is “illogical” to think a decrease in the numbers of police staff has not contributed to the rising crime figures.

He said: “Police staff have been cut year on year.

“The Government keeps saying that this will have no impact on crime, but it’s illogical to claim that reducing the number of PCSOs, police staff or police officers won’t make any difference to offending rates.

“We need to protect policing to keep local communities safe.

“Police and crime commissioners are hugely influential in shaping the future of policing. That’s why it’s so important that people turn out and vote this May.”

The number of drugs offences, however, dropped in the year by 21% in the Northumbria Police area, and 17% for Durham Police.

Almost all victim-based crime within Northumbria Police’s area saw an increase, but within Durham Police’s jurisdiction, the figures were more mixed.