THE number of reported crimes in Gwent has risen since last year – while across Wales the figure also continues to rise.

The new figures, released today by the Office for National Statistics, studied the number of crimes committed in the 12 months to December 2015 and are compared with previous years.

In Gwent, 37,054 crimes were recorded last year, up from 36,736 at the end of 2014.

While there was a drop in the number of burglaries, drug offences and shoplifting, Gwent Police recorded more public order offences, thefts and violence.

Sexual offences increased by nearly 200 while the number of murders stayed the same at four.

Assistant Chief Constable of Gwent Police, Julian Williams, said despite an overall increase of one per cent, some crimes have reduced.

He said: “Whilst this is positive news, I know it may be of little comfort to those who have been victims of these crimes.

“I can reassure those who have been victims of crime that we continue to work hard to support them and bring the people who commit these crimes to justice.”

The increase in violence and sex offences are in line with the all-Wales picture.

Assistant chief constable Williams said the increases are down to “more consistent crime recording” and better confidence and willingness of victims to report crime.

Chief Constable Jeff Farrar said: “I have been determined over the last few years to ensure we record crime accurately and ethically.

“The latest national statistics show that we have led the way in doing this which should give people in Gwent greater confidence in our crime statistics.

NSPCC Cymru commented on the rise in recorded sex offences across Wales, from 4,108 to 5,016 and called for a breakdown with details on sex offences against children.

A spokesman said: “This is a considerable rise in Wales – one we believe may partially reflect improved reporting by police and victims’ confidence in coming forward.

“If we want to make children safer we need a clear, consistent spotlight on what is happening to children here and we would emphasise the need for more transparency.

“We know from our own research that the number of child sex offences reported to police throughout Wales rose to 1,753 last year – an average of almost five a day.

“It’s vital that there is an accurate picture of child sexual abuse across Wales so police forces can tackle this very real problem with the urgency it needs.”