A SMALL city centre street is the worst in Worcester for crime including violence and anti-social behaviour, according to the latest police figures.

Angel Street in Worcester stands out as a hotspot according to the latest data published by Police.uk which holds national data about crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Of the 415 crimes reported in Worcester in February this year, 32 of them took place in Angel Street, which contains a number of businesses, including McDonald’s, Subway, the Cricketers pub, Best Kebab House, the Horn and Trumpet and Panama Jacks.

The majority of the offences were anti-social behaviour (20) but reports were also received about seven ‘violence and sexual offences’, three public order offences and two thefts.

In January this year Angel Street was also top of the list with 25 crimes reported including 14 incidents of anti-social behaviour, seven violence and sexual offences, one of criminal damage and arson, two of public order and one of theft.

A member of staff who works at the Horn and Trumpet in Angel Street said many of the incidents seemed to happen outside Shakeeys takeaway at around 5am or 6am in the morning.

The woman, who declined to be named, said: “We’re closed at that time but you hear people shouting, screaming and banging as they walk past. A lot of it seems to be alcohol related.”

She also said homeless people sometimes congregated outside what used to be the Italian restaurant which is now one of several shops and businesses standing empty.

The barmaid said the police tended to respond very quickly to incidents but she would like to see a heavier police presence in the area late at night.

“We don’t have much trouble here. We do have incidents - everywhere does - but it’s all very minor and dealt with quickly” she said.

Aside from a few well-maintained businesses, Angel Street also contains a number of empty units including the former home of The Mine Jewellers, Backhouse Bet which closed last month, the old Co-op and an ex British School of Motoring premises.

Another crime hotspot was the corner of St Nicholas Street and Trinity Street near Bushwackers nightclub where a total of 20 offences were reported in February this year.

These included 10 reports of violence and sexual offences, seven of anti-social behaviour, two of public order and one of theft from a person.

Lowesmoor also stood out with 11 crimes reported in February this year – three of anti-social behaviour, two of criminal damage and arson, one of bicycle theft, two of theft, two of shoplifting and one of vehicle crime.

A total of 11 crimes were reported in or near the Crowngate shopping centre, including seven reports of anti-social behaviour in February this year.

It was even higher in January when 22 crimes were reported including eight involving anti-social behaviour, seven violence and sexual offences, two of theft, one of burglary, one of criminal damage and arson, one of bicycle theft and one of shoplifting.

West Mercia Police was not available for comment at the time the Worcester News went to press.