Crime rates in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge have shown a slight increase over the past year, according to new figures this week.
However, police have sought to reassure residents that there is no need for concern.
Speaking at a community police meeting in Highbridge, Sgt Ian Kennett from Burnham Police said: “The headline figure is that crime has risen. The slight increase, in the region of 3% or 70 crimes, has been caused by increased pro-active police activity in relation to drug offences where there is not an actual victim.”
“There has been no increase in burglary or car crime and over 750 offenders have been brought to justice with 39% of all reported crime being detected. This is over twice the detection rate of ten years ago.”
He added: “At the same time as responding to calls we are focussed on pro-actively tackling those offenders that cause our communities the most problems, whether that be drug dealing, antisocial behaviour or criminal offences such as assault and burglary.”
Reisdents at Highbridge’s quarterly police meeting last week chose drug dealing as the top priority for police to tackle over the coming three months.
Burnham’s police meeting will be held at the Town Council Chambers in the Old Court House, Jaycroft Rd on Thursday 17th May at 7.30pm when all will be welcome.
