TOPSHAM S police community support officer has spoken of his disappointment at the number of criminal incidents which took place after last month s town carnival. PCSO Percy Giles revealed there had been five crimes after the annual event including three

TOPSHAM'S police community support officer has spoken of his disappointment at the number of criminal incidents which took place after last month's town carnival.

PCSO Percy Giles revealed there had been five crimes after the annual event including three assaults.

And worryingly, compared to policing the 2008 and 07 carnivals, he said the number of incidents had increased this time around.

As a result, looking ahead to next year, Percy said he would like to meet up with members of the Topsham Town Fayre and Carnival committee to address such issues to prevent a reoccurrence.

He explained: "There were five incidents reported to the police at this year's event. All of them contained anti-social behaviour and most, unfortunately, assault.

"This number is up on the couple of years I've been here.

"At the end of the day we want to make improvements and these will hopefully alleviate anti-social behaviour that we've experienced.

"If we can do that by simply changing some very minor things, like perhaps having stronger links with the shops that are selling alcohol."

Percy added: "Alternatively, we could put measures in place to ensure everybody is ID checked as far as age is concerned.

"We want to do this in partnership with the committee and all work as a team.

"Unfortunately there is a culture of youth drinking in Exeter. There is no other carnival as close to the city as Topsham is, so I guess people come down to have a drink.

"They are not necessarily buying it from shops but quite often bringing it with them.

"Looking around the streets after the event there were bottles, cans and vomit all over the place. It's a difficult one to combat really."

Despite the incidents which occurred, Percy said it was a pleasure to work whilst the carnival was taking place.

"It's a wonderful event. People all get involved, even the youngsters. It's a fantastic occasion for Topsham and I hope it carries on.

"It's a great thing to cover because we're working with local people, there's fundraising going on and you feel a part of the community.

"I hope the public feel reassured by our presence not just at the carnival but all the time.