VIOLENCE in Winchester city centre has increased by nearly a quarter from last year, figures show.

From January to September in 2013 there were 174 reported incidents of violence against a person, which can include murder and violence with and without injury.

In the same period this year there were 215 cases – a 23.56 per cent increase.

It is similar to 2012, when there were 220 reported incidents. The figures were obtained by a Freedom of Information request to Hampshire Constabulary by the Chronicle.

They also show reductions in burglaries and thefts.

Theft has declined year-on-year since 2012 which saw 342 incidents from January to September, including vehicle offences, theft from a person, bicycle theft and shoplifting.

In the same period last year there were 321 thefts reported, which has decreased by 5.91 per cent to 302 incidents this year.

Burglaries, including in dwellings and other buildings, has fluctuated over the past three years, from 37 incidents from January to September 2012, to 56 in the same period in 2013 and 41 this year.

All of the figures relate to the Winchester City beat.

Burglary for the whole year of 2012 saw an increase from 63 incidents to 67 in 2013. Theft declined by 13.37 per cent from 501 incidents in 2012 and 434 in 2013.

The month with the most burglaries so far this year is August, with nine reported. May saw 42 thefts and February saw 30 incidents of violence against a person.

Winchester District Commander, Chief Inspector Darius Hemmatpour, said: “We work hard to tackle violent crime and focus our patrols on key locations and at times where our presence is needed the most.

“We work closely with licensed premises in the city centre to protect those that come here to have a good time in a safe environment. Together with our partner agencies we will continue to work hard to reduce crime.”

He said that police have arrested a number of ‘serial shoplifters’ who are now banned from Winchester.

“Our Safer Neighbourhood Team works with local retailers to provide crime prevention advice, and help them share information about incidents that are taking place. “Tackling burglary is one of our priorities, as it has such a huge impact on victims. Last year we established Operation Shield which is a team of dedicated officers who work with partner agencies and focus on known offenders which has resulted in a number of burglars being locked up.” He said police work on “any intelligence” and are carrying out preventative work alongside Neighbourhood Watch teams by advising people on how to protect their homes and businesses.

Sandie Vining, Winchester city Neighbourhood Watch representative, said she has noticed an increase in house burglaries.

“I have noticed that three years ago it was very difficult to notch up one or two house burglaries, it was mostly shed thefts,” she said.

“I have noticed that in the past 18 months we have more house burglaries. My impression is that they don’t seem to take things that they used to, like stereos, but they look for cash.”

Ms Vining also said she doesn’t think violence in the city centre has increased.

“There’s been a couple of things in the last six months, but it is quite rare I believe in Winchester, it is more antisocial behaviour. It is an ongoing problem about the night time economy where bars and clubs are open until three or four in the morning and people are leaving the city centre.

“A lot of people blame students but it’s not always students.”