Reported crime in the county in recent months has risen, according to figures from Hertfordshire Constabulary.

The statistics show the number of reported crimes from April to October compared to the same period last year.

It also reveals the number of arrests or developments in reported crimes of the same time period including whether there was an increase or decrease.

In Hertsmere, the number of all notifiable crime has increased by seven per cent between April to October this year compared to last year.

The number of reported rapes in the area has seen an increase of 11.11 per cent with reports of other sexual offences has increased by 2.33 per cent.

Theft from a person is up to 11.76 per cent and shoplifting is at 8.88 per cent.

All crimes except trafficking of drugs, possession of drugs, business and personal robbery and burglary has increased.

David Lloyd, Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Hertfordshire remains one of the safest counties in the country, as the rise in recorded crime is mirrored across the country with the police service as a whole becoming more victim-focused and ensuring that crime is recorded ethically and promptly.

“Putting victims at the centre of policing and ensuring they are treated with compassion, care and support is a key theme for me and Hertfordshire Constabulary.

“This can only be done if people have the confidence that police will take their reports of crime seriously and I am encouraged by the significant improvements the Constabulary has made in complying with national crime recording standards.”

Despite this increase in all notifiable crimes the number of completed crimes, which could include an arrest, has decreased by 5.39 per cent.

The number of outcome rates for burglary across Hertsmere has decreased by 5.81 per cent and the possession of weapons is down by 19 per cent.

Public order offences has dropped down by 10.40 per cent and business robbery outcome rate is down by 33.33 per cent.

All crimes except theft from a person, shoplifting, and trafficking of drugs has decreased.

Speaking on behalf of Hertfordshire Constabulary, Colin Connolly said: “Hertfordshire continues to experience relatively low levels of crime and has the 13th lowest level of recorded crime in the country.

“When compared with the seven other forces that are most similar to Hertfordshire, the county has the lowest level of recorded crime.

“Crime increased by 12.30 per cent last year, though this is significantly attributable to improved crime recording in accordance with the National Crime Recording Standards.

“This increase is a measure of the Constabulary’s determination to ensure rigorous recording of crime take place and also to support and encourage victims to have the confidence to report crime to us.”