CRIMES involving violence and stalking have increased by more than 300 across the Maldon district in the last year.

Data from the the Police and Crime Commissioner showed between December 1, 2017, and November 30, 2018, violence crime with injury rose from 311 to 345 incidents.

Violence without injury went from 320 to 408 incidents.

Stalking and harassment cases also increased by 204 incidents, going from 234 to 438.

The report said: “Maldon had experienced an increase in violence without injury of 88 more offences.

“Domestic abuse cases contribute significantly to this offence classification and tackling the issue represents the most effective way of reducing harm with the Maldon district.

“Dealing with incidents of domestic abuse is a key priority for Essex Police and all medium and high-risk cases are investigated by specialist officers from the Operation Juno teams.

“The population of Maldon district remain less likely to suffer an offence of this type than the wider population of Essex - as is the case for any crime type shown in our data.”

The report also included details on successful outcomes for the investigations team.

These included convictions for burglary and dangerous driving.

One successful prosecution saw Michaela Brunning jailed for eight years after attacking two women with a bottle of wine.

Brunning, 40, of Glenway Close, Maldon, admitted two counts of GBH on the 25-year-old women.

A report from the PCC said: “During the altercation the victim was struck over the head with a wine bottle and also received serious injuries to the stomach.

“The suspect was arrested, charged and pleaded guilty at court.”

The data showed house burglaries had fallen by 32.9 per cent, with 55 fewer incidents across the year.

The offence remains a “priority crime type” that Essex Police is continuing to discuss and work on improving on.

Sexual offences, theft from a person, criminal damage and anti social behaviour had all fallen.

During the 2017 to 2018 period there were 110 fewer incidents of anti social behaviour reported.

Overall the number of recorded crimes reported in the Maldon district increased by 506.