THE burglary rate is the biggest cause for concern for people in the Melksham area, according to a survey conducted by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

More than 4,000 people were questioned in the county, including 114 from Melksham and the surrounding villages, in a telephone survey organised by the office of Wiltshire PCC Angus MacPherson.

15 per cent of those from Melksham cited domestic burglary as their main problem, while countywide the figure was only eight per cent. According to figures presented to the Melksham Area Board last Wednesday, 62 domestic burglaries were reported in the year leading up to August, an increase of 16 on the previous 12 months.

Reports of non-domestic burglaries rose from 99 to 157, an increase of 58.6 per cent.

Wiltshire Police Inspector for Melksham Matt Armstrong said: “There was a series of burglaries from August to November, and that has skewed the figures; last week we had no domestic burglaries at all.

“One or two a week is normal now, but it still remains a focus, and we are taking efforts to make sure it doesn’t happen, which have been relatively successful.”

Respondents from Melksham were also more satisfied with the level of police visibility in their neighbourhood than the countywide average, with 62.5 per cent happy with police presence.

Inspector Armstrong said: “Visibility is really important; we are creating the opportunity for people to be out and about.

“It’s not just about vehicles, we have push bikes and foot patrols to ensure the best possible face-to-face meetings, and there is a real drive for us to spend more time out and about in the town.

“There will always be ongoing issues, but we can resolve most things very, very quickly.”