25/11/10….South Oxon Community Safety – Crime Update
COMMUNITY SAFETY NEWSLETTER – From: Supt. Chris Sharp, Area Commander South Oxfordshire – for the period DECEMBER 2010/JANUARY 2011: The successful arrest of a male in the Thame area led to a significant amount of stolen property being recovered from burglaries from both the South and Vale police areas. A vehicle was also recovered which had been used in a number of petrol thefts from garages across the area.
This male has been charged with nine offences so far and remanded in prison awaiting trial. The investigation is still ongoing at this time so more charges may be added.
Overall crime is down by 13% on last year in relation to burglary, vehicle crime and robbery. Detections (investigations that result in a charge or caution) are up by 50%. Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) incidents are down by 25% and assaults, both domestic and alcohol related are down by 16%.
The Priority Crime Team (PCT) are a proactive team focusing mainly on crimes such as Burglary Dwelling and Vehicle Crime. They have achieved some good results in South Oxfordshire, some examples are outlined below:
WORKING TOGETHER FOR SAFER COMMUNITIES
AREA COMMANDER?S UPDATE
A cross border operation was carried out recently where we supported Surrey Police in conducting a search of an industrial estate believed to have been involved in the theft of Land Rover vehicles from across the south of England, including South Oxfordshire. This was a success with five vehicles being recovered, the discovery of approximately four hundred cannabis plants and a significant amount of cash and illegal alcohol. This investigation is in the early stages and will be ongoing for sometime. Another joint operation was conducted with Hampshire with the execution of eight Search Warrants across both Counties, leading to two people being arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicles. Again this investigation is still ongoing at this time.
THEFT FROM VEHICLES DOWN
In February 2010 there was a Robbery at Lloyds bank in Henley. A protracted investigation was commenced by the CID, which has led to the arrest of a male from outside the area. He is currently on bail whilst the investigation continues. I would like to add that this type of crime is very rare for our police area.
There has been a 18.5% decrease of theft from vehicles in the period April to October 2010 in South Oxfordshire, compared to the same period in the previous year. This is a good result, which we would like to see continue.
With Christmas and the New Year sales drawing closer, you may carry more cash or leave valuable items such as a mobile phone, handbag or extra shopping on display in your vehicle. Please do not leave anything of value on display, a car full of goodies is a great shopping window for the opportunist thief and you risk it being stolen.
Do not leave your vehicle insecure at any time, even for a very short period. A thief can steal items and be away in seconds. Have a happy, safe & secure Christmas & New Year.
