CRIME statistics are notoriously easy to manipulate. Using the same set of figures today, one national newspaper focused on the rise in violent crime, another on the "longest period of falling crime for 106 years".

A more studied approach reveals causes both for celebration and concern. That is true locally, too.

North Yorkshire police are right to re-emphasise today that this is one of the safest places to live. The horrific events of the weekend, and the realisation that a dangerous killer is on the loose, has heightened fear of crime.

Yet the four murders are all the more shocking because they occurred in a county where the most serious offences are remarkably rare.

Reported incidents of lower level violence are on the increase, however, and this is worrying. Muggings and assaults are up by a third in the York and Selby division.

Chief Superintendent Tim Madgwick stresses that most of the assaults are not serious. Nevertheless the figures chime with a general perception that the atmosphere in York city centre at night is becoming more aggressive and unpleasant.

This is not just a local problem. Drink-fuelled violence is on the rise in almost every town and city centre.

In York, police are hoping to combat the problem with more uniformed officers backed by community support patrols. They must also make clear to licensees their duty not to allow customers to drink to excess.

Nationally, the Government may need to defer its plans for licensing reform until the drunken violence is brought under control.

But let us end on a positive note. In North Yorkshire, detection rates are rising. It is even more important to acknowledge this success at a time when police resources are being stretched to their limit.

Updated: 11:25 Thursday, July 22, 2004