Local crime figures from police.net reveal that Ledbury households suffered 7 reported burglaries during January 2011. The crime map shows that three of these occurred in New Mills, one on Deer Park with the rest spread across the Ledbury area.

In an open letter to councilors town mayor, Paul Winter, said the burglaries may be the work of a professional burglar as 'he' was leaving no forensic evidence. According to the mayor the burglar was operating around dusk or early evening. The mayor also said that 'strangers might arouse suspicions' and that people should be extra 'vigilant and alert' and 'protect their property'.

Another councilor, Tony Bradford, recently addressed council informing them of complaints by members of the public about anti-social behaviour in the New Mills and Deer Park housing estates.

31 incidents of anti-social behaviour were recorded in January with one third of these occurring in the New Mills area.

If these figures were taken as averages it would imply that there could be 20 or more burglaries and nearly a 100 anti-social behaviour incidents for the first quarter of the year.

The mayor has told councilors to 'not be alarmist' and 'to trust the police'.