A MARKET town has seen a rise in violent crime and anti-social behaviour in the past month, police have revealed.

PC Lee Featherstone, of North Yorkshire Police, told last night's meeting of Bedale town council that there had been 17 complaints about anti-social behaviour and six incidents of violence in the past month.

He said some of the violence complaints had been to do with domestic violence.

The recent hot weather, leading to more people drinking, could have contributed, he said.

PC Featherstone said the rise in anti-social behaviour could have been caused by the recent Easter holidays, when groups of young people congregated together, but often did not actually cause a disturbance.

There were also four reports of vehicle-related anti-social behaviour, one of arson, in which a bin was set alight at Bedale High School.

There has been one report of car crime, seven of criminal damage, one of fraud, four thefts, 26 concerns over public safety, 14 road traffic offences and four road accidents.

PC Featherstone said the force has recruited a new inspector, who will be responsible for Northallerton and Bedale.

The inspector will take up his post early next month.