CRIME has increased in Newquay in July compared to the same period last year.

There were 300 incidents of crime in July compared to 250 in July of last year.

There were 25 reported incidents of criminal damage in July, 26 other theft, eight possession of drugs, 20 public order offences and 19 shoplifting, three robbery, 28 stalking and harassment, 44 violence with injury and 63 violence without injury.

Inspector Steve Johnson said: “There is an increase in many of the crime figures over the past three months which is down to the time of year and the series of unfortunate events we have been dealing with over the last few weeks.

“Many officers have been dealing and helping with scene guards for major crime, which means our resources have been stretched excessively and as a result we haven’t been as visible or proactive as we would like. This shows itself in the ‘violence’ incidents.

“With officer presence we are able to intervene, encourage people to leave areas, but that has been a struggle over recent weeks which means there is a sharp increase in these incidents.

“This is now settling down, so I would hope we can return to normal, but in the meantime, I am working with the Senior Leadership Team to look at ways to address this resourcing issue.

“In the meantime, Boardmasters is upon us again and I will be around the town visiting places and people throughout. I have a team of people who will be directed on foot patrol through the town and down towards Fistral Beach. The site itself at Watergate, has its own command structure and numerous staff to look after that event. I will be in regular communication with the team at the event as we move through the week and into the weekend.

“We have additional hot spot officers out during selected days through the summer who will work with the Street Rangers. We also have an additional funding stream which has allowed me to provide an additional couple of days a week for more Officers to be deployed on foot in the town through to the end of August. This should mean we are starting to address the visibility issue.”