Crime Down In The District

LATEST figures show that crime has fallen by over 8% in South Oxfordshire over the past year.
Supt Andy Murray said: ?It is no coincidence that whilst crime overall is steadily falling, the detection rate continues to rise.
?We have seen a large reduction of 29% in the number of burglaries committed between 1 April 2007 and 31 December 2007, compared to the same period the year before. The roll out of neighbourhood policing across South Oxfordshire has helped reduce the levels of criminal damage in the area. There have been 140 less offences of criminal damage compared to last year which is a reduction nine per cent.
?At a local level the roll out of neighbourhood policing means there is an increased visibility of police and police community support officers and they are tackling the problems identified as being of most concern. The dedicated neighbourhood teams across South Oxfordshire are available to react and respond to the needs of the community and address local issues of concern such as criminal damage.?

There are also decreases in theft from a vehicle (10 %) and a 34 % reduction in vehicle interference.

Supt Murray continued: ?It?s also pleasing to note that burglary and car crime continues to fall but there is still a lot more we can do. Working in partnership with other agencies we will concentrate on those people who persistently cause the most problems. We will do all we can to divert them away from crime but if they will not take the hint then we will invite the courts to remove them from our community until they learn how to behave.?

Photo: Mounted police offices patrolling Thame recently.