Summer crime at record levels

Crime levels during the three months to August increased by 36% compared to the previous three months, and 8% compared to the same period last year.

A total of 806 crimes were recorded in the summer months of June, July and August, whilst 594 were recorded in March, April and May. The same period last year saw 749 crimes recorded.

Whilst the summers months often see an increase in crime, the figure of 806 is the highest in six years. The figure for Summer 2019 was 866.

The most common offences were antisocial behavior (190), violence and sexual offences (259), shoplifting (75) and vehicle crime (52).

The town centre has the highest level of crime, with 100 recorded incidents in June, 66 in July and 85 in August.

On a annual basis, crime in the 12 months to August rose 2.7% compared t0 the previous 12 months.

Lockdown saw a big drop in crime, with offences down over 20% in the 12 months to March 2021.

There has recently been an increase in high visibility police patrols and crime fighting in town centres. Police & Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards lauched Operation Hotspot last year to fund additional patrols in town centres and crime hotspots. In its first year, over 26,000 hours of additional patrols were carried out.