CALNE Police are under fire after new figures reveal crime has risen by 14% on last year in the town.

Particular increases were those in violent and vehicle crime, which had risen by 41% and 55% respectively in the 12 months from February last year.

Councillor Anthony Trotman believes Calne is no longer getting the police service it needs and since the police team began to cover Corsham it has become overstretched and thin on the ground.

Coun Trotman said: “It was disappointing to see the stats show that there is an increase in crime across Calne.

“I feel that the personnel have been stretched too thin when they took over Corsham and we are lacking in the police force that the town requires.

“I will be writing to the police commissioner with my points. Due to the increase in population it is evident that we lack the police teams to counter what looks like an increase in violent crime.

“What we want is the correct police for Calne. There are cuts but in fact the precept for police and crime is being put up at 1.9% so there is an increase in money.”

Despite the rise other crimes had fallen between the time period with anti-social behaviour incidents down some 22% and criminal damage and arson falling but only by 0.6%.

Detection of crimes had risen across the board in Calne with police detection rates of non-domestic burglaries up some 26% on last year.

Coun Trotman added: “We are not getting the advantage here in Calne. I am worried about the future.

“We do not see the neighbourhood police team around the town like we used to and I take from that that they are reducing numbers.

“If there is an increase in the precept there is money available but it is clear that the police have been stretched by allowing sergeants to take on two towns in Calne and Corsham.”

Calne Neighbourhood Police sergeant Ronnie Lungu said: “Anti-social behaviour incidents have reduced over this 12 month period as more ASB has been reclassified as true crime and has contributed towards the near 15% increase in victim based crime.

“The data shows an increase in some of the crime areas and this is due to ethical recording. However, it does show an increase in our detections, which shows that the offenders are being brought to justice.

“The joined up working between Corsham and Calne has proved to be successful as officers have been able to patrol both towns increasing the number of officers and visibility.”