Aberystwyth police are trying to get an alcohol ban introduced

Latest figures from Dyfed-Powys Police reveal there were 243 crimes violent crimes in the seaside resort during the busy summer months.

It is a big increase from the 99 violent crimes recorded there over the same period - June to August - in 2002.

Police are already demanding an alcohol ban in Aberystwyth town centre, but the latest figures have led to more calls for action to protect the community from the growing violence.

Officers have linked the rise in violent crime directly to alcohol and described it as " frightening".

And the mayor says Aberystwyth - where over the last year nightclubs have been staying open an hour longer until 0200 GMT- resembles London over the weekends and it is no longer safe to walk the streets at night.

Some people act like wild animals just released from a cage Aberystwyth Mayor John James

Dyfed-Powys licensing officer for Ceredigion division, Pc John Evans, said that part of the increase in crime could be explained by a method of recording crime introduced last year.

But it was not the entire answer.

"This is a frightening increase and a considerable number of these crimes are alcohol-related," said the officer.

Aberystwyth police last week started on the process that could lead to a complete alcohol ban in the town centre by next Easter.

Anyone caught drinking on the streets during the day will be able to be challenged by officers if the ban is introduced.

"There are a number of social amenities such as pubs and nightclubs in Aberystwyth so alcohol is a contributory factor to the many crimes that take place in the early hours of the morning," said Pc Evans.

Violent crime changes from 2002 to 2003 Aberystwyth June 27 - 80 Aberystwyth July 30 - 68 Aberystwyth August 42 - 95 Lampeter June 20 - 26 Lampeter July 20 - 21 Lampeter August 26 - 40 Cardigan June 16 -18 Cardigan July 18 -34 Cardigan August 25 - 31

"The reality though is that each officer in Aberystwyth has many more offences to deal with and the thin blue line is being stretched even further."

Aberystwyth Mayor John James said it was now not safe for people to walk the streets of the town at night.

"It's gone crazy. It's like London here from Thursday nights onwards, " he said.

"The nightclubs are open until two in the morning which I find disgustingly late for a town of Aberystwyth's size.

"Some people act like wild animals just released from a cage."

Shutters

Councillor James, who runs an Aberystwyth florists, said the crime rise was affecting the town's businesses.

"I've had my shop window broken five times in the last few years," he said.

"But why should I pay �3,000 to put shutters up in a town like Aberystwyth?

"The police have to do something although I accept they're hands are tied by the law.

He only hoped that installing an alcohol ban in the town centre - if it is approved - will help.

Violent crime has also risen in Lampeter and Cardigan - Ceredigion's two other major towns.