Nearly 1,000 crimes reported in Walsall in just two months
Nearly 1,000 crimes were reported in parts of Walsall over just two months this year, the Express & Star can reveal.
Police figures show that in Walsall South there were 61.5 per cent more robberies reported in April and May of this year than there were during the same months in 2015.
While the area's four wards – St Matthew's, Paddock, Palfrey and Pleck – also saw house burglaries increase by 68.4 per cent.
During April and May 2016 in Walsall South, there were 989 recorded crimes, 79 more than in April and May 2015.
They included 21 robberies.
Councillor Mohammad Nazir, who represents Palfrey, said; "It's not good news when you hear of more crime. One thing is that more crimes are being recorded, which is not a bad thing.
"I think to address this a partnership approach is needed because people live in fear of crime. Sometimes the perception is worse than the actual crime."
There was also a 20 per cent increase in criminal damage incidents. There were 120 in April and May 2016 up from 100 a year before.
The area also saw a 16 per cent rise in vehicle crime and 11.2 per cent increase in anti-social behaviour, a Walsall Council report showed.
Paddock councillor Gurmeet Sohal said he was surprised by the increase.
He said: "I think we have to be a little more careful.
"I know burglaries have gone up but I didn't know by that much.
"I know a lot of the burglaries are happening on Birmingham Road and people came and take the cars and it's very easy to get away. I think that is one of the reasons – and it's quite an affluent area.
"I think we need police patrols and more visible police. The crime is up and anti-social behaviour is happening in Paddock ward. It is alarming for the future."
Walsall Police Station's Inspector Adam Reynolds said: "When interpreting crime figures we would suggest to exercise caution as a snapshot of crime for one month may not reflect a true picture of the overall crime pattern in Walsall.
"If we look at crime overall for the areas of Palfrey, Pleck, St Matthews and Paddock wards for this year compared to 2015 we can see that there has been a 2.7 per cent increase in offences, showing a small rise.
"While one crime is one too many, the overall statistics need to be looked at in context. We are constantly looking at ways to improve our service, reduce crime and ensure that our communities feel safe."
