Published: April 25, 2007
Police tell Burnham traders: 'We're winning the fight against crime'

Burnham-On-Sea police have this week reassured businesses in the town that they are winning the battle against crime.

Neighbourhood policing sergeant Ian Kennett and Beat Manager Pete Wills (pictured) addressed over 60 residents at the AGM of the town's Chamber of Trade on Tuesday evening (April 24th).

They gave an upbeat assessment on the ongoing efforts to fight crime in the Burnham area.

"We have seen an increase in crime this year - which has followed five years of decreasing figures - so we are very conscious of the overall situation and are tackling it," said Sgt Kennett.

"As an example, we have stopped in excess of 50 youngsters this year who have been carrying out anti-social behaviour in the town. Letters have also been sent to their parents explaining what we are doing and on several occasions the parents didn't realise their children were out on the streets so we've had a very positive reaction."

He also pointed to the recent closure order placed on an Abingdon Street house connected with anti-social behaviour as further evidence that pro-active police work is being successful.

"The number of town centre incidents against businesses is decreasing and I hope that shopkeepers are now seeing that things are improving."

But Tom Ashton of the Sedgemoor Tourism Association questioned whether the problem has simply been moved out of the town centre to other parts of the town.

"In North Burnham the situation has not improved," said Mr Ashton. "I had a gate stolen at the weekend and we've seen windows smashed in this area too."

Sgt Kennett said that he is aware "that as the town centre problems are resolved, there is a risk they are moved to other areas" and this would be one of the focuses of his team and the recently-enlarged PCSO team during coming months.

Police Beat Manager Pete Wills also gave an update on work to rationalise signs and parking areas in Burnham town centre.

He will be leading a meeting with roads bosses during May to try and address the situation of "unenforceable" restrictions in several parts of the town.