POLICE reported a big jump in crime, violence and thefts in Wellington at the February meeting of Wellington Town Council.

Councillors heard that the number of crimes had nearly doubled from 37 in December to 70 in January and that Christmas spending was probably to blame.

Commenting on the significant rise in the number of recorded crimes during January, PC Rob Wood stated in a written report that he could only speculate on what might be the reasons – more domestic arguments after Christmas due to financial problems and likewise with the increase in thefts. Thefts jumped from two to 16, assault offences soared from three to 16 and harassment offences rose from two to six. There were 11 other crimes (five more), ten domestic incidents, including arguments (one more), four public order offences (two fewer) and seven cases of criminal damage (two down). Two missing people reports had been made.

Special incidents of note during the month included disorder at the Barley Mow public house in Rockwell Green on January 10 when three people had been arrested and an offender bursting into a property in east Wellington on January 16 and assaulting a person staying there. The offender was still being sought.

Twenty calls had been made to the police relating to anti-social behaviour during the month, one more than in December.

PC Wood said: “Wellington police are working as hard as ever to prevent crime and, in partnership with the Wellington One Team, are meeting twice a week to discuss recurring problems and families that need assistance.”