Violent crime in Shropshire falls by 4pc
Violent crime in Shropshire has fallen by about four per cent this year, police revealed today.
Violent crime in Shropshire has fallen by about four per cent this year, police revealed today.
West Mercia Police said there have been 2,159 violent crime incidents in Shropshire since April 1 last year, a fall of 84 incidents, or 3.7 per cent, on the same period the previous year.
Incidents where actual bodily harm or other injury has been caused, fell by 4.6 per cent from 1,021, to 974.
- Leader: Vigilance is needed on crime figures
However, the force said robbery statistics for the county remained on a par with the previous year at about 55.
The senior police detective in Shropshire today warned the force would not tolerate violent behaviour, adding that people who resorted to violence were likely to face a prison sentence.
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards was speaking after a 39-year-old man from Whitchurch was jailed for 32 months for violent robbery.
Scott Mills, of Castle Court, made an unprovoked attack on a 41-year-old man on November 6 last year, knocking him unconscious before stealing £100 from his trouser pockets.
Mills was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Monday after admitting the offence. His victim suffered cuts and bruises to his face and head.
Mr Edwards today said the courts were supporting the police in taking strong action against violent offenders.
"Violence of any sort, whether it's in the street, in pubs and clubs, or in a domestic situation, will not be tolerated. The police will look to charge offenders and put them before the court," he said.
"People need to be aware that if they fight in a public place they will be arrested and are likely to end up with a criminal record. Such behaviour is totally unacceptable and inexcusable.
"While the figures are moving in the right direction, there is room for further improvement.
"Fortunately, the vast majority of incidents are for relatively minor assaults where there is little or no injury.
"In many cases, alcohol has played a significant part, leading to confrontations which should be avoided."