Concerns have been raised after a spike in crime figures in a Wrexham village following the opening of a new state of the art Police HQ.

At a meeting of Llay Community Council on Wednesday, it was revealed there had been six assaults on Police officers and three incidents of criminal damage by offenders being held at the new custody suite on Davy Way, since it opened at the end of November last year.

The figures were recorded over the period from December 3 to January 6, but local community councillors are worried about the negative impact the figures could have on the reputation of Llay and its desirability as a place for people to come and live.

Cllr Bryan Apsley said the figures were like a punishment for the village and has called on the information released by North Wales Police to make it clear exactly what percentage of crimes have been committed within the Police station itself rather than in the wider village area.

He said: “If there’s any way in which the figures could be specifically referred to as happening within the cells or wherever, that would certainly help with the image other people might have of Llay.

Cllr Wynn Austin was another to voice concerns about how the figures will be perceived and the potential for them to have a damaging impact on existing and future residents.

He said: “It’s a poor reflection on Llay, because if people were looking to move here, one of the things they are bound to look at are the crime figures for the area and if they see six assaults or anything like that, it is bound to have an impact on their decision.”

PCSO Abigail Land said: “It’s unfortunate that they show up and the assault of Police officers isn’t nice, but it’s something that we have to record and deal with. That’s one of the negatives of having a Police station in the postcode. However, there is a positive impact to us being here, as there has been a notable increase in Police traffic travelling to and from the new station so we have more of presence in the area now.”

Cllr Sharon Roberts raised an additional concern about the potential for offenders being released into the village after a period being held in custody, however PCSO Land was clear when she said that should never normally be the case and that most offenders will be taken to their home address if they cannot be collected by a relative or friend.

PCSO Land said: “As a Police force, we try and accommodate people as much as we can so if a person is being released and cannot get home themselves, we will give them a lift. I’ve taken people home myself, but we’re obviously a stretched Police force and can only do this when we can.

“The station is obviously new and it’s going to take some time for the people in the village to get used to it and although there will be negatives, there will be positive aspects too.”