VIOLENT night time crimes in Stourbridge town centre have increased by nearly 58 percent and include murder, kidnapping and firearms offences.

The shocking statistics are revealed in a Cumulative Impact Policy report which will be discussed by a special meeting of Dudley Council’s Licensing and Safety Committee today (Wednesday).

The data compares 12-month periods between October and September 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 and shows total recorded crime rose by 20 percent.

The statistics show the peak periods for offences are Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 8pm and 8am.

Shockingly, the incidents of violent crime increased by a total of 74 – an increase of 57.6 percent and according to the report: “Murder, kidnapping and firearm offences have all featured in the last 12 months in Stourbridge town.”

Cumulative impact zones are designated areas where collected data is used by licensing committees when making decisions on licensed premises such as bars, public houses and restaurants

The report shows that between October 2015 and September 2016 the town centre accounted for 305 offences.

During October 2016 and September 2017 the number rose to 366, an increase of 20 percent.

The report adds: “If the cumulative impact zone was not in place then the rise in crime would be far more significant than reported.”