IN THE East Riding last year, crime overall was up by 1.4 per cent to 16,909 offences, an increase of 226 crimes on the previous 12 months.

Offences that have gone up include shop theft. This has risen by 9 per cent to 1,185 offences, up from 1,086 in 2010.

Assaults with less serious injury are up by 7.5 per cent to 1,745 cases, an increase of 122 offences.

Most serious violent crime is down by 11.6 per cent to 130 offences, from 147 the previous year.

Police made tackling violent crime a priority and set up a task force of senior officers to review the problem and come up with ways of tackling it.

Drink-fuelled aggression was identified as a major reason for the rise in assaults and weekend public order patrols were stepped up.

Police have also taken a tough line on enforcing licensing rules in pubs and clubs.

Reducing drink-related crime and disorder will be a priority in the East Riding this year.