VIOLENT crime in Redditch has risen by almost 150 per cent.

Latest Home Office figures show the town had the fourth highest percentage increase in violent crime in the country.

But police say the huge jump is down to a new crime recording policy implemented by West Mercia Constabulary which may not have been introduced by other forces.

The number of crimes solved by Redditch police has also risen and detection of incidents of violent crime has risen by more than 100 per cent.

But Redditch councillor and Conservative Parliamentary spokesman Karen Lumley is still concerned and has called for action to address the increase.