Fears over violence as attacks on the increase

The number of people being attacked and injured in Rugeley town centre has tripled according to the latest crime figures, which were released today.

Assaults resulting in an injury have jumped to 34 between July and September compared to just 13 in the same period last year.

Other areas of the town have also seen increases in assaults and injuries but police have pledged to take action to tackle the problem.

The three-month figures also show overall crime has fallen in the town centre and Wolseley areas meaning residents are less likely to be a victim of crime.

Overall there were 135 crimes compared to 157 offences last year with crime also falling in the Etchinghill, Springfield and The Heath areas.

But in Hagley the number of crimes over the three months has risen from 50 offences to 55 and in Brereton, Ravenhill and Towers Business Park areas crime has risen by seven incidents from 92 last year to 99 this year.

Sergeant Chris Rodger, from Rugeley Police, said: "Our main priority is to tackle issues that concern the public most and we aim to provide an accessible, visible and round-the-clock service.