Pledge to tackle burglary rise

Violent crime has risen 27% in recent months

Thames Valley Police have pledged to do more to tackle burglaries, as new Home Office figures show a 17% rise in the region.

The increase comes despite a 3% fall in burglaries nationwide for the period between July and September 2003.

Overall, crime in the Thames Valley is up by 1%, while nationwide the rate is unchanged.

Police say they have launched a series of measures to tackle burglaries, including the Safer Homes projects, launched in September.

Most burglars are not criminal masterminds - they are opportunists looking for a quick fix Chief Inspector Rob Angell

This includes using dedicated teams for crime hotspots in the region, targeting persistent offenders and making better use of forensics.

Chief Inspector Rob Angell, who heads Safer Homes, said: "Reducing the number of burglaries is a considerable challenge but we are making progress.

"Householders themselves can help us achieve further reductions. Most burglars are not criminal masterminds - they are opportunists looking for a quick fix.

"I would urge the public to do their bit by not giving these criminals a chance. Lock all your doors and windows before leaving the house and keep your keys out of sight and well away from doors and windows."

Serious violence against the person has also risen sharply, with a 29% increase more than double the national rise of 14%.

Superintendent Pete Warner, head of performance information, said he did not think this was a cause for concern.

"If we took out the threats to kill we are actually looking at a reduction of 18%", he said.

"The vast majority of the community will not be affected by it as many incidents involve young men fighting each other after too much alcohol.

"We are working closely in partnership with the local authorities to reduce this anti-social behaviour."