OPPOSITION councillors have blasted what they believe is a massive rise in crime in Wembley.

The National Crime Audit for Brent has revealed that Wembley Central became a crime hotspot in the past year, even though the borough saw an overall decrease in crime by two per cent.

Conservative group leader, Cllr Bob Blackman, said he was appalled by the figures. Violence against the person increased by 13.8 per cent in 2001 compared to 2000 while robbery rose by 15.3 per cent.

He said: "Crime is rapidly increasing despite the best efforts of police. Brent has become a dangerous place to live due to the sharp rise in gun-related crime."

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats have proposed the recruitment of six extra police officers to patrol Wembley Town Centre.

Cllr Harvard Hughes is calling for a three-pronged attack to tackle crime through more visible policing, improved cleaning and more community events.

"Wembley Central is simply not safe and direct action is now needed to deal with the problems," he said.

But Deputy Leader of Brent Council, Cllr David Coughlin, explained that crime in the area appears to resemble a hotspot only because the overall rate has fallen.

"Wembley Central is at the top because there is always going to be a top spot. But because of the focus by the police on community safety and gun crime we've brought crime down in Harlesden, the previous hotspot, by 40 per cent. This has led to Wembley shooting up because the rest has dropped as a whole."