COLCHESTER’S top police officer wants his team to stop sinister crimes like stalking and harassment escalating into episodes of physical violence.

Chief Insp Shaun Kane, the district commander for the borough, said a 30 per cent increase in violent crime in Colchester in the 11 months leading up to November last year compared to the same period the year before, could be partly put down to the way some incidents are recorded.

Forces across the country are now required to classify stalking, harassment and instances where victims are punched, kicked or jostled and have no resulting injuries in the category of violent crime.

According to the statistics, crime as a whole went up by 15 per cent which is less than the average for Essex and incidents of anti-social behaviour reduced by 6 per cent.

Mr Kane said: “Through the Safer Colchester Partnership, we have used initiatives such as Street Weeks to target and reduce anti-social behaviour.

“I am confident schemes like this and the work we have been doing with our partners from across the district, has resulted in a reduction to the number of anti-social behaviour incidents reported to us.

“We have, however, seen reports in stalking, harassment and malicious communications increase across the country and the county, including offences recorded in Colchester.

“This is in line with a change in the way officers record these offences across the country.

“Our officers continue to work to raise awareness about these types of crime which are incredibly sinister and have a long-lasting psychological impact on the victim.

“These can often be the gateway to more violent physical offences.”

Mr Kane urged people to report crime to the police. He said: “We should also consider that Colchester has the fastest growing population outside of London, with estimations of over 200,000 people now living in the district.

“We encourage the people of Colchester to report any offences to us – we will take you seriously and we can offer you the guidance and support you need.”