Barnet's top police officer has dismissed rising crime figures released by the Tories on the Greater London Authority.

Figures on recorded crime compiled from the House of Commons library show that between 1999 and 2001, Barnet had a 7.8 per cent rise in violence against the person and an 18.8 per cent rise in robberies. But there were falls in sexual offences, domestic burglary and motor theft.

However, Chief Superintendent Sue Akers said these figures did not correspond with the Metropolitan Police's.

"It would be foolish to start to look at their figures as they are so different from any figures I've seen," she said. "We've just completed our three year audit on crime and if you compare those figures with other London boroughs, Barnet is probably below the national trend."

Brian Coleman, GLA member for Barnet and Camden, blamed the rise in robberies on cuts to police numbers made in 1997. He said: "As a result local communities all around the capital are crying out for more police on the streets to cope with this worrying trend."

Chf Supt Akers added: "We already know we need more officers. An increase in any crime is not acceptable and this borough does everything we can to ensure we don't tolerate increases in various crimes.

"I think the key is not to try and do absolutely everything but look at where our priorities are, taking into account areas the home office as well as members of the public feel are important."