Crime rates have shot up in the past year with large increases in reported rapes and stalking.

In Epping Forest reports of stalking and harassment doubled from 215 in 2017 to 446 a year later, rape incidents logged leapt from 28 to 33, reported burglaries rose by 26 per cent from 453 to 575 and shoplifting reports doubled.

Of the 28 types of crime, 16 had a double digit percentage rise in terms of reported incidents.

Supt Nick Morris said: “Sadly a number of areas in Essex and indeed the country are experiencing an increase in the number of violent offences which are being committed.

"This trend is being experienced nationally.

"These increases concern us which is why we are putting 150 more police officers on the streets of the county next year to bolster our resources and our capability to not only respond to incidents as they occur but also to conduct investigations.

"It’s important to note that fewer than eight people in every 1,000 in Essex experience violence with injury crimes; compared to the average of its most similar group of forces, Essex residents are less likely, per 1,000 population, to be victims of violence with injury offences. Fewer than one in every 1,000 experience robbery."

Supt Morris said a change in the way stalking and harassment offences are recorded accounted for the large statistical increase.

He added: "Figures released for violent crime also include incidents of a domestic nature.

"Around 35 per cent of violence against the person offences involve domestic abuse.

"Reducing the number of incidents of domestic abuse is a key priority for Essex Police and we continue to urge anyone suffering any form of abuse to report it to us."

When asked whether the rise in crime was linked to the fact that 600 fewer officers and 300 fewer PCSOs are operating in Essex now than in 2010, the force did not respond.