Oxfordshire Crime Rates

On 28/01/2005 At 12:00 am

OXFORDSHIRE has the lowest rate of crime per head of population in the Thames Valley, it was revealed today.
This is lower than Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Milton Keynes and less than the national average.
At a seminar at County Hall on Monday, January 24, Chief Superintendent David McWhirter revealed that the number of crimes per police officer is also well below the national average of 1:120, at just 1:59 for Oxfordshire, again the lowest rate for the Thames Valley.
Councillors had met to hear what the key Community Safety priorities for the next three years are likely to be. The latest audit of crime, anti-social behaviour and other issues affecting residents? quality of life, have revealed a range of key issues which are likely to form the basis of Community Safety Strategies for the next three years.
Members heard that vehicle crime was falling and that there had been a decrease in road accidents. However for acquisitive crime, including burglary and shoplifting; anti-social behaviour – litter, graffiti and abandoned cars, as well as dangerous driving,the picture was not so rosey.
Cllr John Farrow, Executive Member for Community Safety said: ?We work closely with partners including the police, district councils and Primary Health Care Trusts.
?At Monday?s seminar, councillors focused on the role the county council can play in reducing anti-social behaviour. By working in a preventative way through schools, the Youth Offending Team and Children?s Services, for instance, we are able to intervene to support and work with young people and families at risk to reduce anti-social behaviour at source.?
John Parry, Director for Community Safety added: ?Actual levels of crime in the county are relatively low, but fear of crime continues to be disproportionately high. Tackling fear will be an important aim in the new three-year strategies, which are being drafted by the county?s five Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnerships at the moment. Following consultation, the strategies are set to be approved in early April.?