ANTI-social behaviour is on the rise in Droitwich but it is not increasing as much as in other parts of Worcestershire, say police.

Droitwich police officers met with local councillors, traders, youth workers and young people to discuss anti-social behaviour.

The meeting was only the second time the Partners and Community Together (PACT) group has met, and gave members the opportunity to discuss the results of a public survey about crime and anti-social behaviour.

Sgt Mark Smith, from Droitwich police station, said that while there has been a slight increase in anti-social behaviour over the last 12 months, the rise was significantly lower than in other parts of south Worcestershire.

West Mercia Constabulary headquarters research also shows that recorded crime in Droitwich is lower than in most other parts of Worcestershire, but the fear of crime in Droitwich is higher than elsewhere.

Sgt Smith said: "While we acknowledge that there are specific areas of Droitwich in need of extra visible policing, by and large the area is still one of the safest places in the county to live."

Father Doug Chaplin, chairman of the PACT panel, said: "The information from the police and the detached youth team indicate that, while we do have real problems with anti-social behaviour in Droitwich, they are minor compared with many other places in the county."

A spokesman for West Mercia police was unable to provide figures supporting remarks that crime had increased in Droitwich or comparative figures for other parts of Worcestershire.

The police have also blamed "ill-founded comments in published readers' letters" and "media focus" for boosting the public's fear of crime.