SOUTH Worcestershire has become the worst area in West Mercia for criminal offences overtaking North Worcestershire as the area with the highest number of offences.

A police performance report shows 5,091 offences were recorded in South Worcestershire between April and June, compared with 4,594 crimes in North Worcestershire.

This contrasts with last year's report which recorded 4,661 crimes between June and August and 4,679 offences in North Worcestershire.

Some Worcestershire county councillors questioned the crime spike at a police and crime panel at County Hall, in Worcester.

Tony Miller, the chairman of Worcestershire County Council, said: "South Worcestershire seems to be top of the league.

"On quite few, if you go to shoplifting or criminal damage, South Worcestershire seems to be not the place to live.

"I can't see an ageing population causing these problems. There must be a reason why South Worcestershire is not achieving the results we would like."

John Campion, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, said the area's figures were partly due to the inclusion of a city.

The commissioner added that a general increase in crime had caused a boost in the numbers.

Mr Campion also said 'much more stringent standards' meant crime was being recorded properly, which helped to explain the rise.

Superintendent Kevin Purcell, who is responsible for West Mercia's south Worcestershire area, said: "South Worcestershire is a popular area, with a vast array of shops, restaurants, bars and clubs which attract a lot of people making it a vibrant place to live.

"We continue to work with pub and club owners, local business' and the rest of the community to ensure South Worcestershire remains a safe area.

“Our priority is to accurately assess the threat, harm and risk in relation to each incident and to respond appropriately and proportionately in order to protect our communities.”

Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford all had lower numbers of recorded crimes in the performance report.

South Worcestershire is made up of 291,000 people across an area including Worcester, Malvern and Evesham.

North Worcestershire represents 276,000 people across an area which includes Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest.