CHANGES in the way crimes are logged in Ilminster have led to a rise in crime figures, but local officers insist the town remains a safe place to live and work.

Since July last year, the local beat team have had to take into account crimes in Horton and Broadway as well as Ilminster, which beat manager PC Andy Stuart says may have distorted the figures.

Speaking during an address to town councillors and local residents at Ilminster Town Council’s annual community assembly, PC Stuart explained how residents should bear in mind the wider catchment area.

The town saw a seven per cent rise in reported crimes in the last year, increasing from 203 to 217.

However, breaking down the types of crimes, PC Stuart confirmed a considerable drop of 50 per cent in drugs crimes in the town, as well as a reduction of seven per cent of criminal damage while shoplifting figures also fell.

Burglaries in the area in the last 12 months went up from five to eight, theft rose by six per cent, violence against another person increased by five per cent, while sexual offences and thefts of a motor vehicle saw no change to the previous year.

PC Stuart added that plans for the Ilminster beat team to move into the fire station had been scrapped, meaning they need to find another home.

The fire station was due to be expanded, with another floor being added to facilitate the move.

He said: “Overall I think that the figures are a success and show that Ilminster was and is a safe place to live and work.

“Unfortunately I simply don’t have the time to go through and analyse exactly where each crime took place, but we now have to take into account Horton and Broadway, which includes the 24- hour Shell petrol station where we get a lot of drive-offs.

“The police station was due to be closed, however, due to problems with the fire station itself, that is on hold. As and when the station does close, we will still be based in Ilminster.”