A CRIME surge around a Ryedale gipsy site earlier this month was probably down to visiting travellers, senior police officers claim.

More than 30 criminal incidents were recorded around the Malton site in a short space of time, community officer Chris Cherry told Malton Town Council.

"These involved incidents of theft, assault and burglary and we did make a few arrests," he said.

"We did have some temporary travellers move into the site at the time of all this trouble - it's understood they came from the Manchester area, but they have now moved on. Since then we have had no trouble from the site," he added.

Clerk Gerry Cheetham said it was vital that if anyone, including councillors, experienced problems in relation to the Travellers Garth site they should contact the police.

Inspector Neil Burnett said it was thought the people involved in criminal activity around the site had moved north to Scotch Corner.

"Too much crime and disorder is being directly attributed to those families who live there," he said.

"At the moment we are working closely with Ryedale District Council and the owners of the site to ensure the move to the new site is as smooth as possible."

The travellers' site on York Road is set to be moved to another location on the opposite side of the road in coming weeks.

The new site is being provided by David Harrison Builders to enable that business to expand into the existing gipsy site.

Coun Chris Harding said there had been concerns expressed by some families at Travellers Garth that the new site is closer to the main road.

"The present site is about 100 yards from the road whereas the new one is much closer - if we're not careful there could be some serious injuries," he said.

"There is lady on the site with ten children who is concerned about their safety."

Updated: 11:22 Friday, July 27, 2001