RISING crime figures in Christchurch have been largely caused by more thorough recording processes.

Members of Christchurch Borough Council's scrutiny and policy review committee quizzed Inspector Cheyne Marley, on the annual crime and disorder update at a recent meeting.

The report states overall crime in Christchurch has risen by 14.2 per cent - 289 more offences than in the previous year.

Inspector Marley, from Dorset Police's Christchurch team, presented the figures to members, before answering their questions.

The police officer took the opportunity to reassure residents saying "Christchurch is a safe place to live".

Explaining why he thinks there has been an increase in reported crime across the borough, he said: "I don't want to hide behind figures but at the same time there are reasons why the crime figures will reflect that.

"Nationally it's about a 10 or 11 per cent increase.

"There's a much more robust process of recording now where every single call that comes in is recorded and every single crime is recorded according to the perception of the caller and sometimes due to that with the systems that are in place while there are bedding in periods some of those calls are recorded incorrectly.

"It doesn't alter the service they get given but they are recorded incorrectly."

Inspector Marley added changes to the categorisation of crimes had played a part, such as harassment and minor assault being included in violent crime - up 34.9 per cent from 475 in 2015/16 to 641 in 2016/17.

The number of reported sexual offences was 59 in the latest figures, compared to 47 in 2015/16.

This was said to be largely from historic reports of sexual offences and the more ethical recording process.

Cllr Trevor Watts asked the officer if he believed the figures would see a drop off next year once errors in recording had been addressed.

"If there is a consistency with the way crime figures are recorded and if the good work that is all ready established with our partners continues and if we can identify early on the causes of for example ASB then we've got a good chance," Inspector Marley said.

"I would never say we are going to see a decrease, but I would say we have got a good chance.

"We're never going to be perfect, but at the end of day all the teams, all the people that work (for Dorset Police)are full of absolute passion for actually delivering the right results.

"I can go from PCSOs to partners, to PCs, to volunteers, to specials and I genuinely mean that, which is what I say about numbers.

"Behind the numbers we've got victims who are people and we've got people who are trying to deal with it as well.

"I can't guarantee it's going to go down, but my drive is that it is going to go down."

On the subject of rising ASB crimes, the officer said two main events occurred - damage to buses and crime at McDonald's - with numerous calls coming in.

Members included a resolution at the meeting to thank the local police for their efforts over the past year and support that Christchurch is a safe place to live.