Spotlight turned on crime pockets

A FRESH batch of statistics has cast more light on Burton’s crime hotspots.

The Home Office figures have revealed the most lawless parts of the town in the most detail to date.

Police attended 14 crimes in Burton’s High Street during December 2011 — two incidents of anti-social behaviour, four violent assaults, two public disorder and weapon offences, three thefts and one drug crime.

A majority of these offences have been blamed on late-night revellers leaving the pubs and clubs in High Street, giving it the highest crime rate of all roads in Burton.

There was also one reported burglary in High Street and one theft from Burton Library.

The information has also revealed a worrying number of crimes committed at Burton’s Queen’s Hospital, with two violent assaults, a theft, a drug crime and four anti-social behaviour incidents all reported to police at the Belvedere Road site last month.

There were 11 reported crimes in town centre shopping centres during December, mainly shoplifting allegations but also anti-social behaviour and assault claims.

The crime maps, which are available online, were published last year but now for the first time include crimes committed in shopping centres, bars and clubs, parks and other major public locations.

There were seven reported offences committed at Burton Police Station in December, mostly violent crimes.

There were also five offences reported during the month at Shobnall Fields, a beauty spot which in the past has been blighted by criminality.

There was one incident of anti-social behaviour, one assault, one act of criminal damage or arson and two thefts at the park.

The figures also reveal Grove Street and Civic Way are among the more troubled streets in Swadlincote with most crimes committed in supermarkets and car parks, according to the maps.

To view crime statistics in the area where you live visit www.police.uk