MP David Laws has called for government help in combating crime in South Somerset.

He addressed Home Office minister Keith Bradley in a Commons debate this week, quoting crime statistics and demanding action.

Recently published figures, Mr Laws said, show an increase in burglary dwellings of 22.5 per cent, robbery 63per cent and thefts from motor vehicles by 22.2per cent compared to previous statistics.

Mr Laws acknowledged the fact that these figures incorporate the whole force area, but added it is clear that increased crime is not confined to traditional hot spots such as certain parts of Bristol, for example.

Chard, where the number of recorded crimes has risen from 868 in 2000-01 to 1,203 in 2001-02, was used as a prime example by Mr Laws.

He was backed up by fellow Lib Dem MP David Heath, who reported similar concerns from the Somerton and Frome constituency.

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The Yeovil MP said he felt that too little was done to help drug addicts get rid off their addictions, which often are funded by criminal activities such as burglary.

He also spoke of the need for more police officers and harsher sentencing for repeat offenders.

Mr Bradley, who is the minister for criminal justice, sentencing and law reform, seemed to share Mr Laws' concerns but made no specific promises.

He didn't take issue with any of the statistics Mr Laws quoted, and said the government is aiming to bring more persistent offenders to justice.

He also made it clear that getting to grips with crime in South Somerset (and anywhere else for that matter) would not be a quick fix, saying he was looking forward to future debates on the issue.

A full transcript of the debate is available on the web at http://www.hansard-westminster.co.uk">www.hansard-westminster.co.uk