Violent and sexual offences were the most frequently reported crimes in Shepton Mallet during September, new figures have revealed.

The monthly crime statistics - the most recent available - are released by Avon and Somerset Police.

The figures show that a total of 72 crimes were reported to police throughout September this year - almost half of which were classed as violent or sexual offences. The figure is down from the 83 reported in August.

The category of violent crimes, as defined by the police, include a range of offences from minor offences such as harassment and common assault, to serious offences such as murder, actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm. Sexual offences include Indecent Assault and Unlawful (under age) Sexual Intercourse, as well as sexual assault, rape and Indecent exposure.

There were also 14 reports made to police about anti-social behaviour in the town, eight public order offences - acts of violence or intimidation in public - and seven reports of criminal damage or arson.

A police spokesman said: "Over seventy criminal acts were committed in Shepton Mallet town centre in September of this year.

"While Shepton is a safe place to live, Shepton Mallet Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) are engaged in a groundbreaking partnership initiative in collaboration with local traders in a concerted effort to make engaging in criminal activity much riskier for the criminal.

"We are keen to reach out to local business owners to share information. A communication network provides resilience and enables us to reach you quickly if needed. A similar scheme in Bath enabled local Police to return stolen goods and report late night criminal damage quickly and efficiently."

Traders wanting to take part in the scheme can register here.