POLICE are missing a third of crime reduction targets as £42million cuts begin to grip, according to Lancashire’s Chief Constable.

The figures, released at a Lancashire Police Authority (LPA) meeting, show the number of violent crimes in particular are going up, compared to the same period the year before.

LPA member Chris Maughan said the constabulary was “at breaking point”, as it looks to make the final £4million cuts.

From April to December 2011, all robbery rose 2.3 per cent, violence with injury was up 2.9 per cent, and assault with less serious injury was up 4.1 per cent.

In terms of crime detection, out of three subcategories, the force is missing its 55 per cent target on violence with injury by 0.6 per cent.

Speaking about the Government-imposed cuts that will go on for another two years and have already resulted in the loss of 666 police jobs, Chief Constable Steve Finnigan said: “There is real concern about fragility in parts of the constabulary that could end up being broken if we’re not careful.”

He added: “The direction of travel is heading in the wrong direction and 2012/13 are going to be the most difficult years.

“Categories are heading in the wrong direction, particularly around violence, and disadvantaged communities are feeling the pinch.”

Figures for violence with injury, serious violent crime and assault with less serious injury were worst in the Most Similar Group (MSG) for forces of the same size.

criminal damage was second to last in the MSG group, but top in terms of detections.

Malcolm Doherty, chairman of the LPA, said: “We all anticipated that once you get into a recession things do deteriorate. We actually thought it might be a lot sooner than this.

“We are not surprised, but we are concerned and the force is taking every step necessary to improve things.

“Of course there is always a worry the figures will continue to rise.”

The results of a user satisfaction survey showed that Lancashire Constabulary was seen to be doing good follow-up work and confidence levels had increased by 1.5 per cent.

In comparison with MSGs, Lancashire beat the average rating in categories including ease of contact, actions taken, follow-up and treatment.