VIOLENT crime rose by 19.1 per cent – or 1,065 offences – in Kent in the past three months of 2004, compared with the same period in 2003.

The average rise in violent crime in the same period was nine per cent, according to the latest British Crime Survey figures.

But Kent Police are putting the apparent increase down in part to the way different crimes are recorded, plus greater reporting of "hidden" crimes such as domestic violence and hate crime.

Domestic violence rose by 4.8 per cent or 199 incidents, with specialist officers credited for encouraging more victims to speak out.

Sexual offences rose by 44 per cent, or 136 offences – reflecting changes in which some crimes now labelled sexual offences were previously counted in a different category.

In a statement which described violent crime "Kent’s biggest challenge", Assistant Chief Constable (area operations) David Ainsworth said: "Where particular problems do exist, we continue to tackle them, working with the local community to find a solution.

"We are pleased that victims of often hidden crimes, such as domestic violence and hate crime, now feel more able to come forward. The more people report to us, the more we are able to act to stop behaviour that is totally unacceptable."

Firearms offences, though rare in Kent, rose by 37.1 per cent – 26 offences. However, drug crime fell by 12.8 per cent.

House burglary was down 18.9 per cent – or 380 offences – during the same period. That success has been put down to Operation Castle, the continuing initiative targeting known burglars and offering security advice to residents.

Thefts of and from vehicles in the county fell by 11 per cent – or 532 offences.