INCIDENTS of domestic abuse have contributed to an increase in crime in Tenbury, police have said.

As of data published in May 2023, there was an average of 10 sexual or violent offences per month in and around Tenbury, and police have attributed many of these incidents to domestic abuse.

Inspector Dave Wise, who oversees the Malvern Hills and Wychavon Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "A significant proportion of these are linked to reports of domestic abuse within intimate relationships or among family members - a deeply regrettable reality that often transpires behind closed doors.

"We wholeheartedly encourage reporting such incidents and want to assure the public that the police are unwavering in their commitment to safeguarding victims.

"We acknowledge the repercussions these offences can have on our close-knit rural communities."

Domestic abuse is a problem across the whole country.  It is not always physical - it can be emotional and financial. It often involves coercive control which makes victims feeling trapped in their own homes. Often these crimes also happen to or in front of children.

Proportionately, the crime rate is low in Tenbury. The current national crime rate is around 75.88 per 1,000 people, but in Tenbury it is just 75.54. 

Inspector Wise said: "It's essential to distinguish domestic abuse from random violence on our streets, which remains a highly infrequent occurrence in this area."

Other reported crimes in Tenbury this year have included shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, vehicle crimes and criminal damage.