Answers demanded as crime on the up in Black Country town

There were 1,013 crimes committed in Walsall North between April and June compared to 955 in the same period last year - an increase of more than six per cent.

The biggest increase was house burglaries which saw more than 50 incidents reported compared to a total of 36 in 2014 - a significant increase of more than 44 per cent.

Another big increases came in public place violence - including any violent crimes committed in public - which soared by more than 25 per cent between the two time periods.

Hate crime also showed a minor increase of 25 per cent despite only 20 incidents reported.

Business crime in Walsall North also shot up 10 per cent with more than 200 cases being reported between April and June.

There was also a minor increase of two per cent in domestic violence crimes.

North Walsall Councillor Christopher Jones, who represents the Birchills Leamore ward, said it was time police delivered answers for why the rise was occurring.

"These increases in the report are quite alarming and the public deserve to know answers," he said.

"I cannot say I'm surprised by the figures but any increase has to be treated with serious concern.

"There is a Police Crime Commissioner meeting for North Walsall on Thursday and I will be wanting to know what is being done to stop these increases from happening."

Earlier this year the Express & Star reported more than 4,000 businesses in Walsall fell victim to crime in just 12 months.

Thousands of litres of diesel, metal and cables were stolen as up to a dozen businesses were targeted inside two months.

The crime spree centred around Leamore Close, Fryers Road and Leamore Lane between July and the start of September last year.

Police were forced to step up patrols at nights when premises were being hit, with firms in Newfield Close, Willenhall Lane and Reaymer Close also having fallen victim to crime.

The crime figures for Walsall North covers the areas of Bloxwich, Birchills, Leamore and Blakenall.