CRIME has risen by 15 per cent in a year across the Maldon district, new figures have revealed.

The latest statistics show there has been a district-wide increase of 8.6 per cent between the final quarter of 2015/16, and the first quarter of 2016/17. The figures, put before Maldon District Council, showed that the crime rate is 15.1 per cent higher than at the same point last year.

Crime in the district has reached its highest point in almost two years, with 631 incidents reported in three months.

Neil Pudney said: “These figures are constantly on the rise, and it’s extremely worrying to me and other residents around the town.

“Back in the 1970s we would have two officers patrolling the main streets almost nightly, particularly at weekends, just walking up and down, checking things are locked correctly.

“It sounds less significant, but their presence alone was enough to keep some of the rabble at bay.

“When the police make these kind of cuts, such as the reduction of patrols and shortening of office hours, these criminals rub their hands with glee, because they know it opens a wide window for them to go about committing these acts.”

Several businesses have suffered break-ins in recent months, including Mrs Salisbury’s Famous Tea Rooms on Maldon High Street.

Thieves stole £450 when they broke into the store, next door to owner Andrea Salisbury’s home.

She said: “I wasn’t expecting the break in at all. I was asleep at the time and it is quite traumatising. I check the window every time I come in in the morning now. There are definitely some lasting effects.

“My thoughts are there should be more police presence in the town.

“I live on the High Street and young people can be pretty unruly coming out of the pubs in the evenings. I think more police would stop that.”

Other businesses targeted included Bunting Butchers, Green’s Greengrocers and the Quayside Restaurant in Burnham.

A spokesman for Maldon District Council said: “Maldon District Council and the Community Safety Partnership are aware of the increase in the number of reported incidents of crime and are working with Essex Police to help combat all criminal activity. However, it is important to understand that some increases in reported crimes may be as a result of the fact victim are now confident in reporting such crimes, which in turn leads to support and counselling where appropriate for victims and perpetrators. The residents of the Maldon District can be reassured that they still live in one of the safest areas of the country and that the council will continue to work in partnership to ensure that this continues.”

The council claimed the district’s low crime levels meant an increase in crime reporting would have a large impact on statistics.