Violent crime has soared in Hampshire, according to Home Office statistics.

Up by 53%, it's the biggest contributing factor in a 17% rise in the overall figure with offences up from 152,664 to 178,543.

Police say the increase in recorded violence is the result of new methods of reporting, which came into force when the National Crime Recording Standard was introduced in 2002.

But they admit the result is a more accurate picture.

Among incidents now recorded as crimes were reports of assault in which victims had not wished to give further details or help with an investigationand that has made a big difference both nationally and locally.

"However, the biggest increase has been in offences at the lower end of the violent crime scale such as harassment offences, which show a rise of almost 135%," said Deputy Chief Constable, Ian Readhead. "Offences we would categorise as more serious violent crimes, such as homicide, attempted murder, threat or conspiracy to murder, causing death by driving, causing death by aggravated vehicle-taking and more serious woundingactually rose by only 2%" added Mr Readhead.

"Nationally, the figures show that over 50% of violent crime offences do not involve any injury and our statistics mirror that finding."

Last year, Hampshire saw fewer murders22 compared to 36 the previous year.

Burglariesone for every 100 homes last yearare the eighth lowest among the 43 forces in England and Wales and vehicle crime, at 12 per 1,000 head of population, is the 11th lowest, representing a 6% reduction.

"Hampshire and the Isle of Wight remain among the safest places in the country to live," Mr Readhead said.