Taunton crime - violence figures 'misleading' (From Somerset County Gazette)

Taunton crime - violence figures 'misleading'

8:00pm Wednesday 2nd February 2011 in Taunton

Taunton has been defended as safe, despite “misleading” Home Office figures reporting two violent crimes daily.

The statistics on a website pinpointing crime data nationwide show 60 ‘violent’ incidents out of 431 reported crimes in Taunton in December.

Insp Sam Williams said ‘violent’ offences ranged from serious attacks to public disorder like shouting and swearing and harassment.

Violent crimes in Taunton dropped 18.1% and assaults 11.1% in the nine months to January compared to the previous year.

Insp Williams added: “Tackling violent crimes is a priority.

“We’re determined it will continue to reduce and we’ll prevent offences and take positive action against those responsible.

“Taunton is a safe town.”

Taunton Deane Mayor Cllr Jefferson Horsley said: “The figures are misleading.

“Taunton is a place where people can come without fear of violence.”

Adrian Prior-Sankey, of Taunton Street Pastors, who support young people after dark, said several organisations were working to combat crime.

He added: “Incidents of violence are rare.

“While one act of violence is too many, on the few occasions they’ve occurred, it’s invariably domestic-related or after a series of interactions.”

Adam Fouracre, who started Stand Against Violence after his brother Lloyd was murdered in 2005, said: “Taunton doesn’t seem quite as violent as it was, but there’s a long way to go.

“Focusing on future generations by educating young people is the key.”

Other crimes in Taunton in December included 24 burglaries; 188 anti-social behaviour; one robbery;15 vehicle crimes; 60 violent crimes;143 others, including damage, shoplifting and drug offences.

THE figures for Wellington and Rockwell Green show a total of 73 crimes in December, 46 of which were anti-social behaviour with just four violent. The main hotspots are the town centre and Rockwell Green.

The map for Wiveliscombe shows eight crimes in December, two of them burglary, two anti-social behaviour and one violent crime.

Bishops Lydeard reported 14 crimes, but in Kingston St Mary five of the seven incidents were violent crimes, according to the map.

*To check on crime in your neighbourhood, click on the Police crime figures related link on this story.