Violence in the home, burglaries, car theft and criminal damage have soared in Wokingham, according to recent figures.

Domestic violence has rocketed by 72 per cent compared to last year, while burglaries are up 19 per cent, car theft has risen by 24 per cent and  criminal damage offences by 18 per cent.

The figures for 2006-07 were released last week by Wokingham’s top cop, Chf Insp Tony Ismay, and showed overall crime was up by 8.2 per cent.

However the total figure is lower than two years ago.

Chf Insp Ismay said: “We had some real achievements last year and unfortunately those have been lost and crime has increased.”

For full story see this week's Wokingham Times.