NEARLY 1,000 incidents of violence and sexual offences were reported to Avon and Somerset Police across Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge last year (2023).

Data shows from the period running from November 2022 to October 2023, 907 of these crimes were reported, making it the most frequently reported offence in the area - making up 41.7% of the annual total, with an average of over 75 reports per month.

The news comes after Burnham and Highbridge was ranked Somerset's second most dangerous small town in 2023.

347 incidents of anti social behaviour were reported over the same period in Burnham and Highbridge.

There were also 231 reports of shoplifting, 210 public order reports, and a further 173 for criminal damage and arson.

Other less commonly reported crimes last year included other theft, burglary, and possession of weapons.

However, theft from the person was not reported once over the year.

September was the Burnham and Highbridge's most prolific month for criminal activity, with 213 reports made to Avon and Somerset Police.

The peak period from April to June in 2023 was actually the highest in the last three years, with 608 reports.

In 2022, the peak period took place in July to September, and saw 616 reports filed - 2021's peak from April to June included 547 incidents.

July 2023 was the month with the lowest number of reported crimes, but still saw 167 reports made.

Over the course of the year, there were several different outcomes to the reported crimes in the Burnham and Highbridge area.

706 suspects were 'unable to be prosecuted', 363 remain under investigation, 458 are marked as 'status update unavailable', and 347 fall under the 'other' category.

18 offenders were given cautions, 17 reports were 'resolved locally', and 64 are still awaiting court outcome.

From the dataset period running from November 2022 to October 2023, 2,176 crimes were reported across Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge.