Overall crime rose in the Gwent Police Force area by 1% for the year ending December 2015, with 37,054 crimes recorded, new statistics have revealed.
The figures, which were released by the Office for National Statistics on Thursday April 21, show that sexual offences also increased by nearly 200 over 12 months.
However, burglary, thefts and criminal damage offences decreased over the same period.
Assistant Chief Constable of Gwent Police, Julian Williams, said: “Whilst this is positive news, I know it may be of little comfort to those who have been victims of these crimes.
“I can reassure those who have been victims of crime that we continue to work hard to support them and bring the people who commit these crimes to justice.”
ACC Williams said the rise in violence in the area matched trends across Wales, and added: “We have seen increases in violence and sex offences, both in line with the picture nationally.
“The increases in these categories are likely to be down to a combination of factors; including more consistent crime recording, and more importantly, the greater confidence and willingness of victims to engage with police and partner agencies to report such incidents knowing that they will be listened to and their reports acted upon.”
Chief Constable Jeff Farrar added: “I have been determined over the last few years to ensure we record crime accurately and ethically. The latest national statistics show that we have led the way in doing this which should give people in Gwent greater confidence in our crime statistics.”