THERE was a decrease in crime in Newquay in September compared to the previous two months.

One hundred and 94 offences were reported in September, compared to 301 in in August and 279 in July.

There were 52 incidents of violence without injury, 22 violence with injury, five vehicle offences, three trafficking of drugs, 38 stalking and harassment, nine shoplifting, 25 other theft one robbery, one rape and four other sexual offences.

Seventeen incidents of criminal damage were reported, two business burglaries and one theft from the person.

There were no reports of residential burglaries, arson or cycle theft.

Inspector Steve Johnson revealed the crime figures at Newquay Town Council’s meeting on Wednesday, October 1.

Insp Johnson said: “The report demonstrates the crime trend as expected in the busiest months are July and August, so it is natural to see the decrease (in September).

“The understandable explanation for August is not just the additional footfall from the tourist season, but Boardmasters also. The crime totals for Boardmasters were half than what they were the year previous, which can only be seen as successful.

“There was a large reduction in those crime types we don’t want to see at all such as sexual offences and spiking. There were five sexual offences reported at this year’s festival and I agree it is five too many but nonetheless it is down on the previous year and there were no reported rapes, which again is a massive improvement on previous years. It shows that the things we are putting in place are helping.

“There were a number of things we did around the festival site itself and within the festival site, which contributed to those figures

“Almost all crime types are down for September with a large reduction over all; the exceptions being shoplifting, violence without injury and Stalking. I know the latter will cause some concern, but I know in previous months I have offered some context around this which hopefully adds some reassurance. I can of course repeat this in the meeting if required.

“Whilst criminal damage is down, again this isn’t the full picture. I know there has been some notable reports that have caused concern, and this goes to demonstrate it isn’t always about the figures, but the impact on the community and the tensions this can cause.”

Funding application has been submitted to help boost the police presence in Newquay.

Insp Johnson said: “We are applying for funding to put police officers in the right place at the right time. Rangers are out on the streets. They are really welcomed. They are doing a great job and complimenting us with regards to what we are doing. They come into the police station for a briefing so we can have that transfer of information.”

Mayor Drew Creek said: “It is good to see that year on year crime figures for August are down by 20 per cent, which is significant.”