MORE than 200 violent and sexual offences were recorded in the York Inner area in July this year - the highest comparative figure for any month this year so far.

Data published on Police.uk - the national website for policing in England, Wales and Northern Ireland - suggested that July this year saw 715 'crimes' committed in York Inner - a monitoring area which includes the city centre, hospital, South Bank, and Knavesmire.

North Yorkshire Police stressed that the 715 figure included reports of anti-social behaviour, and that the true figure for the month was 484 crimes recorded - while 213 of those crimes were violent and sexual offences.

This figure was the highest monthly figure recorded in 2024, with 200 offences of the same kind being recorded in April - the second highest month of the year. 

The July figure was last surpassed in October 2022, with 219 offences, and July 2022, with 217 offences.

Responding to the data, Superintendent Ed Haywood-Noble, North Yorkshire Police senior operational commander for York, said: "York is an extremely safe place to live, work and visit, and the North Yorkshire Police area is one of the safest in the country.

"There were 484 crimes in the York Inner area in July 2024, slightly more than the same month in 2023, when there were 453 - but in line with 2022 when there were 480.

"However, taking one month in isolation doesn't paint the full picture - for example, there were 472 crimes in September 2024, which is actually down on last year, when there were 486."

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The second most prevalent crime in York Inner for July - the most recent data published - was shoplifting, with 103 offences.

Supt Haywood-Noble added: "Proactive problem solving, by our Neighbourhood Policing Teams, day-in day-out and in collaboration with the Safer York Partnership, helps reduce crime - not to mention initiatives such as Operation Tornado, which sees us focus resources on disrupting criminality; our Operation Sentry team, which recently targeted a 'county lines' drug supply line running into the city; and our 'Clear, Hold, Build' partnership with City of York Council in Clifton, which is driving out people responsible for crime in the area.

"In fact, the most recent HMICFRS (His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services) assessment rated the force as good at preventing and deterring crime and anti-social behaviour, and highlighted our neighbourhood policing strategy, which prioritises prevention and early intervention.

"Most of all, we're grateful for the support of the York community, and our partner organisations.

"Support from local residents and businesses - such as giving information or reporting suspicious circumstances to the police and our partners - makes all the difference in helping keep the city safe for everyone."