Violent crime in England and Wales increased by 6% in the three months to the end of June, compared to last year’s figures, the latest Home Office figures have revealed.

However, overall recorded crime dropped by 2% during the same period.

The recorded crime figures showed that vehicle thefts and domestic burglaries both fell by 8% and 11% respectively between April and June. However, robbery increased by 4% during the same period and drug offences increased by 25%.

The Home Office attributed the increase in violent crimes to an improvement in the recording of crimes by police and more ‘proactive policing’.

However, the British Crime Survey, which questions people about their experiences of crime, reported that overall crime fell by 5% in England and Wales in the 12 months to June.

The survey also found that the risk of being a victim of crime is now at its lowest level for 24 years.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke said: “The statistics published today show that crime is continuing to fall and the chance of being a victim of crime is the lowest in almost a quarter of a century.

“However, I recognise that the fear of crime is too high – it is not enough to reduce crime if people do not perceive that reduction.

“I also accept that this fear is largely driven by the increase in recorded violent crime.”

However, Mr Clarke said that the figures showed a “considerable achievement” in the government’s efforts to reduce crime.

However, Conservative Shadow Home Affairs Minister Edward Garnier accused the government of “staggering complacency” over the crime figures and warned that violent crime was beginning to “spiral out of control”.

He said: “The government should defer 24-hour drinking until it has got a grip on the problem of binge-drinking which is fuelling violent crime. If not, the Government will be guilty of staggering complacency and pursuing the politics of neglect."

Mr Garnier also blamed the government’s “failure to even begin fighting the war on drugs” for the rise in violent crime.

Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesperson Mark Oaten said: "Far too many people are still finding themselves on the receiving end of violent crime.

"Instead of more tough talk we need the Government to actually tackle the use of knives and guns on Britain's streets.

"Labour's decision to press ahead with plans for 24-hour drinking could mean that violent crime continues to worsen over the coming months."

(KMcA/SP)