POLICE in Wellington have recorded an increase in bullying among young people on social media platforms including Snapchat and WhatsApp.

The issue was raised by Sgt Jon O’Connor who reported an increase in crime last month compared to April 2023 at a meeting of Wellington Town Council on Wednesday night.

He told councillors that 105 crimes were recorded last month, up from 97 for the same period last year, and said there has been a “notable increase” in violence against the person offences, which stand at 56 for April 2024 - a rise of 13 incidents.

Sgt O’Connor said: “The slight rise on the same period last year can be seen with the notable increase in violence against the person offences this month.

“This offence group covers assaults but also includes offences of malicious communications, such as threatening and insulting words sent via electronic means. This month we’ve seen an increase in bullying behaviour by young people against their peers over platforms such as Snapchat and Whatsapp. These matters have been subsequently reported to the police which accounts for the rise in this offence type. 

“We continue to work with the local schools to ensure we have a robust and combined stance on cyber bullying, dealing with offenders through enforcement and education as well as offering online safety advice to victims.”

Other crimes recorded in April this year have been broken down to offence types, as follows; arson and criminal damage, 14 (11 in April 2023); public order offences, 13 (9 in April 2023); theft, 12 (17 in April 2023), miscellaneous crimes against society, 4 (one in April 2023); burglary, two (four in April 2023); robbery, two (one in April 2023); fraud, one (none in April 2023); vehicle offences, one (six in April 2023).

Sgt O’Connor added: “The other significant rise this month was criminal damage which can be accounted for by the spree of damaged car wing mirrors in Priory at the beginning of April.

“These all occurred within the same incident and are being attributed to the same suspect who is alleged to have indiscriminately kicked a number of wing mirrors. That person was arrested on the night a short distance away for that and other offences and remains on conditional bail whilst the investigation continues.

“I’ve already started horizon scanning for the school holidays and in anticipation of the heightened summer demand we are planning to support a number of youth diversionary activities. I have also secured confirmation of two additional PCs who will be joining the team in late June to bolster our numbers and visibility.

If anyone has any questions or enquiries they wish to make with the team, the enquiry office at Wellington Police Station is open from 10am – 2pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Police can be contacted via social media accounts, the Avon and Somerset Police website or by calling 101.

“Alternatively, feel free to stop any one of us whilst we’re out on patrol and we’ll always be happy to speak with you,” added Sgt O’Connor.