Falling Crime Across South Bucks Despite Recession

The number of vehicle crimes, burglaries and robberies in South Bucks has fallen sharply over recent months despite the recession, following a number of targeted operations and awareness campaigns by South Bucks District Council, Thames Valley Police and other partners.

Latest figures show that the level of serious acquisitive crime has fallen by 17.4% over the past months and is also well below the predicted level of offending for 2010. The fall contradicts fears that acquisitive crime, such as burglaries, would rise because of the recession.

South Bucks District Councillor Shorne Tilbey, Portfolio Holder for Community, says "Our residents repeatedly tell us that crime and fear of crime are very important factors affecting their quality of life. Working in partnership with the Police and others the Council has put in place a strategy to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour which is now bearing fruit as evidenced by these latest statistics.'

Apart from effective offender management, targeted operations and patrols, the South Bucks Community Safety Partnership has carried out a number of initiatives to educate residents about how they can help protect themselves from crime. Some of the successful initiatives run during 2009 include, "KEYP SAFE" to reduce the number of car key burglaries, property marking to help reduce burglary, "No Doorstep Selling Zones" to help reduce potentially suspicious callers and distraction burglaries.

Planned initiatives include "Not in My Neighbourhood Week", to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour; "Here's A Bright Idea: Leave a Light on Campaign"; and the distribution of SelectaDNA property marking kits for residents who have been victims of burglary over the past two years.

Chief Inspector Paul Cook, LPA Commander for South Bucks says: "Most crimes in South Bucks are committed by criminals from elsewhere and our robust management of these offenders is paying off. South Bucks District Council and our other partner agencies have been hugely supportive and for that I am very grateful but it is important that people do not underestimate how effective personal measures they take to protect themselves from crime can be."

Thames Valley Police are always interested in information about criminals so, if you see something suspicious or suspect someone of committing burglary or other crime, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0845 8 505 505. If you have information but don't want to speak to police, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.