ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour in Brentwood has increased by nearly 17 percent in the last year, figures have revealed.

Numbers released ahead of a public meeting with Essex Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston showed 296 more incidents took place between July 2014 and June this year compared to the same time frame the year before – up 16.8 percent.

The figures also showed a slight rise theft from a vehicle and criminal damage.

Shoplifting dropped by 35.5 percent – 100 fewer offences.