GAZETTE & HERALD: CORSHAM police are tackling anti-social behaviour by youths, saying they are responsible for an increasing proportion of crime in the town.

Inspector Dave Cullop told people at Corsham's annual town meeting last Thursday that while crime figures have only increased marginally overall, one area that has caused concern is the increased reports of anti-social behaviour.

He said: "Offences of minor damage and vandalism have increased by almost a third and make up nearly one in three of all reported crime in Corsham.

"Incidents such as youths climbing on roofs, throwing eggs and rotten fruit and kicking balls at passing vehicles are all reported on a frequent basis."

The town council has been proactive in looking for a solution to the problem of anti-social behaviour and has part-funded a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).

PCSO's main aims are to deal with anti-social behaviour and they have the power to seize alcohol and tobacco and to stop people cycling on the pavements. They also work with the local schools and assist with truancy problems.

In the past few months, 30 parents of teenagers have received police warning letters, with five getting police visits and two having to sign an Acceptable Behaviour Contract.

In terms of general crime, Insp Cullop told the meeting that police officers had handled a "staggering" 3,561 incidents compared with 2,597 in 2003/4.

But although this represents 37 per cent more incidents during 2004 than the previous year, many of these incidents are minor and circumstances reported to police can mean anything from lost dogs, to road accidents.

Insp Cullop said this reflects that the police service is being called upon more and more. He said: "Some times we get lots of calls about the same thing and people have access to mobile phones, which helps."

Looking at crimes that are formally reported, Insp Cullop, who has been based at Corsham for 13 months, said 555 offences were reported overall last year.

That was 494 in Corsham/Pickwick, 50 in Neston/Leafield and 11 in Gastard/The Linleys.

He said: "I am pleased to report that reported crime continues to be low in Corsham. There was a small increase from last year, but totals are almost identical to the previous year.

"The population of Corsham continues to rise and a close eye will be kept to see if reported crime increases as well."

He added: "One in three offences were detected compared to just over one in five last year. My officers have worked extremely hard to improve performance that is well above the national average."

"Nine out of ten emergency incidents were attended inside of the target time of 20 minutes."

Corsham police will be moving from their current site on Priory Street to the old Barclay's Bank in the High Street, which will help to increase visibility in the town centre and offer easier accessibility to callers, Insp Cullop explained.

He also said at the meeting: "We are seeking to recruit additional Special Constables and if anyone in the parish is interested I would be pleased to meet them and discuss this very important role further.