AN MP has described a 21 per cent rise in crime in his constituency as a “massive concern”.

A police report reveals the Shipley constituency suffered a jump of 690 crimes, with a total of 4,045 committed between April and December 13 last year compared to 3,355 in the same period in 2014.

The Bingley Rural ward – which includes Harden, Wilsden, Cullingworth and Denholme – saw an increase from 542 to 650.

Across Shipley constituency, cases of violent assault leapt by 128, from 180 to 308.

In a report by police inspector Hugh Robinson to Shipley Area Committee, he writes: “One of the biggest increases is in assaults with injury. This is in main due to more accountable recording of domestic incidents.

"Likewise, criminal damage and shoplifting offences have had high increases on the back of low figures last year.”

Incidents of criminal damage have risen by 144 from 417 to 561 and shoplifting was up by 99 from 251 to 350. House break-ins were up by nine, however burglary to other premises – including commercial properties, garages and sheds – decreased by 113. Theft from vehicles was down by 47.

Shipley MP Philip Davies accepted crimes were recorded differently, but said: “There is a worrying increase especially in the Wilsden and Harden areas – which is a massive concern.

“But, unfortunately, one of the key factors is who happens to be in and out of prison, and crime waves often coincide with which hardened criminals have just been released. Sadly, the criminal justice system is a shambles."