POLICE have revealed that crime in West Yorkshire is at its lowest level in 31 years – but warn that this level will be “difficult to sustain”.

Figures released yesterday showed that there were 1,635 fewer victims of crime in the 12 months leading up to March compared to the previous 12 months.

However, they also show that numbers of reported violent crimes and sexual offences have risen.

Reductions in house burglary and other burglaries have led to 760 fewer victims, while the number of thefts from vehicles is also down by 2,743 offences.

West Yorkshire Police Temporary Chief Constable Dee Collins said: “This is a tremendous performance when considering the challenging financial climate we have been operating in during recent years.

“However, as we move forward with diminishing resources it is difficult to see how this downward trend can be sustained – in fact, we are already seeing an upturn in some crimes.”

Violent crime is up by 5,531 offences - mainly non-injury crimes such as verbal harassment and common assault, and sexual offences are up by 1,353. Police say this is down to changes the way crimes are recorded and victims being more confident coming forward.

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “These figures demonstrate that West Yorkshire Police officers and staff continue to work hard to help bring down crime despite severe budget pressures.

“I have raised with the Temporary Chief Constable the issue of increases in recorded violent crime and sexual offences and we are discussing what more can be done to bring these figures down.

“While it is reassuring that crime has reduced, police officers and staff are required to deal with more and more complex issues such as Child Sexual Exploitation, cyber crime, human trafficking and counter terrorism.”