Crime rates on the rise (From Stroud News and Journal)

Crime rates on the rise

CRIME levels in Stroud have soared by more than two thirds on last year - with some offences up by more than 100 per cent, it was revealed this week.

Figures for April to June show a worrying trend of rises across the board, with violent offences up 15 per cent and theft of and from vehicles up a staggering 117 per cent.

Top police officers were quick to play down the figures, however, saying Stroud still enjoyed low levels of crime.

But crime victims were appalled.

As reported in the SNJ, Patricia Tinsey, of Slad Road, Stroud, had the cherished Land Rover that was willed to her by her late father stolen for the second time last month.

She said: "It appears there is no stopping it. We need more police patrols."

Several violent incidents have shocked the community recently, notably the killing of Hawkwood College tutor Lawrence Hart last month.

And the vicious assault on Paganhill Estate pensioner Harry Woods in July prompted outrage.

Mr Woods' neighbour Malcolm Woodward, 50, said: "I have lived on this estate all my life and it has changed dramatically.

"We have seen cars scratched, electric cables cut, Christmas lights torn down. Old people are afraid to go out. And it is getting worse."

Responding to the figures, Stroud police chief Inspector Nick Holmes said several crackdowns had resulted in a slowing down of recorded crime since June.

Specialist teams have been set up to deal with vehicle crime and burglary - and two suspected high-profile offenders have already been arrested.

"There has been a significant slowing down, certainly in the last few months," said Insp Holmes.

"We have to keep a sense of proportion - I do not want to be alarmist about this.

"Last year we had fantastic crime reduction and that was reflected in the figures.

"The percentages have gone up but the numbers themselves are not massive. We live in a low crime area and we are doing lots of things to try and reduce crime."

Binge drinking louts and nuisance motorcyclists are also being targeted.

* TWO schoolgirls accused of attacking 71-year-old Mr Woods appeared at Gloucester Youth Court on Thursday charged with causing actual bodily harm. Both youngsters - one of whom is from Stroud and the other from near Bristol - also face an alternative charge of affray on the same date. They will reappear on October 6, and were released on bail.