THERE has been a slight increase in crime in Newquay during May compared to recent months.

There were 220 incidents of crime recorded in May, 219 in April and 191 in March.

Police recorded 18 public order offences in May compared to 13 in April and 12 in March.

There has also been a rise in shoplifting offences with 14 recorded in May, seven in April and 10 in March.

Stalking and harassment has additionally seen a hike with 39 offences recorded in May, 30 in April and 24 in March.

Inspector Steve Johnson said: “Public Order offences have risen, which is down to an influx of visitors around the half term; particularly with the weather being so favourable.

“This is a pattern previously seen for this time of year.

“Shoplifting has risen which is down to a couple of things.

“The first being an increase in reporting, and the second being a benefit of the that, which has highlighted a persistent offender who has returned to the town. They have now been apprehended.

“As per last month, the stalking and harassment figures always show as alarming, and I understand why.

“These also reflect last year’s total for this time of year.

“Whilst there are victims to all of these, they don’t all carry the same level of risk, so it is important to remember and highlight that these figures are mirrored elsewhere in the force and some are down to our recording guidelines.”

Police have recorded a decrease in criminal damage. There were 25 incidents in May, 33 in April and 22 in March.

There has also been a reduction in violence with injury incidents. There were 25 in May, 34 in April and 25 in March.

Insp Johnson said: “Decreases in criminal damage and violence with injury is pleasing to see.

“The damage figure was slightly inflated last month for a couple of reasons which have been addressed and is shown in this month’s number.

“Generally, the crime figures are following a similar pattern as previous years given our seasonality and visitor numbers.

“In other news the Neighbourhood Policing team in Newquay and St Columb are now up to strength following a particularly challenging time.

“This means as we approach the summer, we feel in a far better place than last year and have started planning and looking forward to various engagement and disruption activities.

“This has greatly assisted in the closure that was carried out with the council and other partners at a local hotel recently.

“I know this has been a topic for many a discussion with the Derelict Building Working Group at Newquay Town Council so its nice to have that win; particularly when it is fairly rare to get such a closure on a hotel style property.

“Boardmasters planning has been well underway for some time again this year.

“This year we intend to roll out a facial recognition cameras van to assist with security and reassurance around the event and the town.”