Crime falls 17 per cent despite recession

Latest figures show that the level of serious acquisitive crime has fallen by 17.4 per cent over the past months, compared to the same period last year, and is also well below the predicted level of offending for 2010, according to Thames Valley Police.
The fall contradicts fears that acquisitive crime would rise because of the recession and follow several targeted operations and patrols and awareness campaigns by Thames Valley Police, South Bucks District Council and other partners.
South Bucks District Councillor Shorne Tilbey, Portfolio Holder for Community, says: "Our combined partnership efforts are improving all the time. The statistics are now supporting that position."
Chief Inspector Paul Cook, Commander for South Bucks Local Police Area, said: "Most crimes in South Buckinghamshire 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."