Questions asked after ‘distressing’ spate of break-ins (From Evesham Journal)

Questions asked after ‘distressing’ spate of break-ins

11:40am Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News

A “DISTRESSING” spate of burglaries are reported to have been carried out at homes and businesses in Droitwich.

At least six burglaries or attempted burglaries have taken place at homes in the town since the end of September, the Worcester News has learned.

Sentimental jewellery is believed to have been taken during a number of the break-ins, most of which are thought to have happened in the west side of the town including in Moreland Road and Addenbrooke Road.

Businesses are also believed to have been targeted including a petrol station, estate agent and travel agent in Droitwich.

West Mercia Police are expected to release further details of the break-ins today.

Meanwhile several readers had contacted the paper to say they were concerned about the rise in the number of break-ins.

Councillor Pam Davey, county councillor for Droitwich East and town councillor for Witton ward, said she had been made aware of the issue.

She said: “Although we are a low crime area nevertheless this type of crime is very distressing to those individuals involved.

“Anything the police can do to raise awareness and to help people protect their property through schemes such as SmartWater is great.

"It is a most distressing occurrence, especially when precious family items of no monetary value but of enormous sentimental value are taken.”

She also said that town councillors were kept informed of issues in the town at the start of council meetings by police officers.

• The police update will be featured here later and included in tomorrow’s paper.

...but stats say crime is falling

CRIME in Worcestershire has fallen by more than 10 per cent compared with the same time last year, new statistics have revealed.
Figures released by West Mercia Police show 16,256 recorded crimes in Worcestershire between April 1 and September 30, compared to 18,651 for the same months the previous year, a fall of 12.8 per cent.
Those figures are marginally better than for the whole West Mercia force area, where crimes recorded during the same periods fell by 11.5 per cent, from 36,309 last year to 32,147 this year.
Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Morgan said he was delighted to see police’s efforts making Worcestershire a safer place to live.
“This reduction in recorded crime demonstrates the hard work that our officers, staff and partners put in all year to prevent and detect offences,” he said. “We are always pleased when crime falls and there are fewer victims, but we are not complacent and the public can continue to help us catch criminals by providing information and help to prevent crime by keeping their homes and belongings secure.”
Sheila Blagg, chairman of West Mercia Police Authority, said the figures were particularly welcome at a time when forces are facing pressures from funding cuts.
“We have worked tirelessly with the force to ensure our resources are focused on the areas of need to make the sure greatest impact is realised at this time of reduced funding,” she said. “Our officers and staff can be justly proud of the dedication they show to protect our communities from crime and anti social behaviour”.