SEX crimes in Sedgemoor have risen more than in any other area in Avon and Somerset - a startling fact that was revealed in Home Office figures this week.

Numbers published by the Government department in its Crime in England and Wales 2006/2007 report show the offences have increased more in the district than in Bristol or Taunton.

The figures show the recorded crime for key offences for 2005/06 to 2006/07 and Sedgemoor's stats show a 54% increase for sexual offences - rising from 83 to 128.

Bridgwater sector deputy Sgt Nick Frewin played down the figures, telling the Weekly News they were already out of date with a reduction in the amount of sexual offences reported in Sedgemoor seen already this year.

"The Bridgwater sector has seen a slight rise in these offences, but this has been tempered by a large reduction in the Burnham sector," he said.

"As a force we are committed to working with our communities and partner agencies to make Sedgemoor safer.

"We cannot make our communities safer without the help of these agencies and local people and we will continue to build links and improve community involvement.

"Your chance of being a victim of this type of crime, or any other crime, in Sedgemoor remains low - Somerset West remains one of the safest places to live in Avon and Somerset."

The Home Office figures also show violence against the person had also risen by 8%, together with theft of a motor vehicle by 15%, theft from a motor vehicle by 10%, and interfering with a motor vehicle by 37%.

But the good news that robbery offences was down by 10% and burglary dwellings fallen by a total of 3% was also featured in the report.