CLAIMS that crime increases when groups of travellers arrive and set up unauthorised encampments sites are unfounded, according to senior Kent police chiefs.

County councillors conducting an inquiry into gypsy and travellers in Kent have been told that in some cases, where crime rates do increase, the rise in criminal activity can actually be attributed to other elements in the local community.

Acting superintendent Matthew Nix, who chairs the Kent Police Diversity and Fairness Action Group, told members of KCC’s select committee on gypsy and traveller sites: "There is a common misconception that the crime rate does go through the roof. Sometimes, when we have analysed it and looked in great detail we have found that it was not actually the unauthorised encampment that was creating offences. It was the surrounding population.

"We do not see a consistent increase in crime around unauthorised encampments."

He was supported by assistant chief constable Peter Ainsworth, who also appeared before the committee to give evidence. He said a survey into the types of crime being committed, due to be published shortly, would show crimes on the increase were ones related to "lack of respect" across all section of the community.

He also said travellers had a positive impact on Kent "bringing colour, imagination and probably commercial wealth" into the county.

However, he stressed that where travellers did commit crimes, Kent Police would treat them in exactly the same way as other suspected criminals. "Our policy is discriminatory in [only] one respect - if you are a criminal, we will take action against you."

Challenged over why police were unable to take action against travellers who had committed offences by forcing their way on to land, Mr Nix said there was often no evidence available to bring a prosecution.

"That makes it very difficult for us to go around and arrest people. We have to have reasonable grounds that someone has committed an offence."

The comments came at a hearing into the impact of travellers on Kent. The inquiry, expected to last several weeks, will make recommendations on the key issue of whether there should be more official transit sites for travellers in Kent.