CONCERNS were raised about the true level of crime in Calne.

Cllr John Boaler said he was unhappy with the statistics given to the council at its meetings by police in their bi-monthly report.

He said: “Councillors have repeatedly asked for a report that gives us the crime figures for Calne over the previous 12 months – so that we can see what the trends are.

“We want a commentary on these, and if certain crimes have gone up, how the police are addressing this.”

He said the police only give a brief outline of some crimes and not specific figures.

Cllr Boaler claims violent crime has risen in the town based on figures he had collated in the past with a friend and presented to councillors earlier this year.

“We are on the police’s side,” he said, “but we do want to know the trends so we can help.”

Dep Mayor Cllr Richard Jones said he felt the council was being “fobbed off” by the police.

In response to a request from the Gazette a police spokesperson said: “Every month, each Community Policing Team prepares a briefing sheet for their area board meetings, which include crime statistics for their area for the 12 months prior.

“As the councillor admits himself, crime statistics more specific than this are available to everybody to view on the website.”

Calne mayor Cllr Merrick said he would contact the chief constable and request that he or a senior officer come to the council’s next meeting and discuss crime in the town and look at ways the they can work

together.

PCSO Nicole Yates was at the meeting and listened to the concerns.

She said there was a problem in the town with violence but this together with shoplifting were related to drugs.

The PCSO said resources were stretched. Councillors thanked her and the police for attending the meeting as it was helpful for get feedback.