Crime statistics for Wells have revealed a decrease in the total number of crimes recorded between July and August, dropping from 75 to 66.

However, the data shows a rise in violent crime in that same period.

In August, 66 crimes were recorded, with anti-social behaviour topping the list at 14 incidents. This was followed by violent crime at 21 incidents, shoplifting with 11, and public order issues at 8. Other categories like burglary, criminal damage arson, other theft, possession of weapons, and vehicle crime also contributed to the monthly tally.

July had witnessed 75 recorded crimes with violent crime leading the pack at 28 incidents. Anti-social behaviour was recorded seven times, shoplifting at 14 incidents, and criminal damage arson at eight. Other crimes in categories like burglary, drugs, other theft, public order, robbery, and vehicle crime made up the rest of the list.

A month-by-month comparison for Wells shows the following:

• Anti-social behaviour: 14 in August, down from 7 in July
• Violent crime: 21 in August, down from 28 in July
• Shoplifting: 11 in August, down from 14 in July
• Public order: 8 in August, up from 4 in July
• Vehicle crime: 4 in August, up from 2 in July
• Other theft: 4 in August, down from 8 in July
• Possession of weapons: 2 in August, no change from July
• Burglary: 1 in August, no change from July
• Criminal damage arson: 1 in August, down from 8 in July

July also saw crimes recorded in the categories of drugs and robbery, which did not appear in the August statistics.

A police spokesperson had this to say: "The decrease in overall crime is a positive sign, but the increase in some categories such as violent crime is a cause for concern. We're committed to tackling these issues head-on and encourage the community to report any suspicious activities."

To understand what these categories mean, anti-social behaviour involves acts like nuisance behaviour, public drunkenness, and vandalism; burglary is the unlawful entry into buildings with intent to commit theft, assault, or fraud; criminal damage arson includes damage to property and intentional setting of fires; other theft is a general category covering thefts not classified elsewhere; possession of weapons refers to unauthorised carrying or possession of weapons; public order crimes include acts that disrupt peace and order such as rioting and violent protests; shoplifting involves theft of merchandise from retail stores; vehicle crime includes both theft from or of a vehicle as well as criminal damage to vehicles; and violent crime includes physical assault, harassment, and other acts involving violence.