Rural violence has soared under Labour, new figures reveal

People living in the 13 police force areas considered 'rural' by the Home Office have suffered greater increases in violent attacks, sex offences and robbery than those in the rest of England and Wales.

Violence against the person - a category that ranges from assault to murder - soared by 98 per cent between 1998/1999 and 2007/2008, to 138,605 attacks. The average increase nationwide was 91 per cent.

Violent attacks, sex offences and robberies in the countryside have increased greatly since Labour came to power (file picture)

Sexual offences increased by 64 per cent in the countryside, compared with only 15 per cent nationally.

Robbery was up by 30 per cent, 3 per cent higher than the national average.

The figures, compiled by the Tories, show that in Gloucestershire violence against the person has rocketed by 188 per cent under Labour, to 9,306 offences.

In North Wales, the same crime has leapt by 136 per cent, to 11,108 attacks, and in Suffolk by 146 per cent, to 9,413 cases.

In North Yorkshire, the number of sex offences is up by 99 per cent, to 590.

Last night, critics blamed the Government for starving the countryside of police resources.

The Tories pointed to the fact that nearly half of police station closures - 148 out of the 317 shut between 1997 and 2006 - have been in rural areas.

They have been axed as part of a move towards using police kiosks, vans or offices in community centres.

Taking into account new stations that have opened, rural forces have suffered a net loss of 69 stations.

Opponents claim that, without the presence of police stations in the High Street, thugs feel more likely to escape punishment if they carry out a violent attack.

Shadow Home Secretary Dominic Grieve said: 'Violent crime is one of Labour's biggest failures, causing untold misery to too many up and down the country.

'These figures show that people in rural areas are often hit the hardest.

'This comes as they are suffering from post office closures and GP surgery closures. Labour have run out of ideas.

'All they can offer are more gimmicks and failed initiatives.'

A Home Office spokesman claimed that violent crime was falling. 'Throughout the country the chance of being a victim of any crime is at its lowest level since 1981,' he said.

'However, we recognise that we can never be complacent.'