DRUG-related occurrences in Trowbridge increased by seven per cent in the past nine months according to new statistics.

Police were asked to produce the figures by Trowbridge councillors at their full council meeting. They showed that from January 1 to September 27, there were 87 drug-related occurrences, a seven per cent increase on the same period last year when there were 81 occurrences in reporting drug issues this year.

Community coordinator PC Mark Hough from Trowbridge Police Station said while there is an increase, Wiltshire Police remains committed to dealing with the issue.

He added: “While drug offences have increased in the last year, it doesn’t indicate that there has been a particular problem in Trowbridge. We will deal robustly with any drug occurrences we encounter. Drug dealing is a serious offence which we dedicate a significant amount of time to and we would welcome any intelligence to help us with our investigations.

“If anyone is suspicious of drug activity in their area, they should call us on 101 or leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”