Figures reveal knife crime level

Only Hampshire with 388 incidents of knife crime was higher

Thames Valley has recorded the second highest level of knife crime in the south east over the last 12 months to March, figures suggest.

According to Home Office statistics for England and Wales, 329 serious crimes involved a bladed instrument.

But police-recorded crime in the Thames Valley was down by 7%, this compared to a 9% drop for England and Wales.

A spokeswoman said the force was happy with the overall drop but was committed to combating knife crime.

The south east area includes Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire - which had the highest level of knife crime in the region with 388 serious offences.

The Thames Valley Police spokeswoman added that the force has been chosen by the Home Office to receive extra funding to tackle the problem.

Better reporting

"We have been successfully running Operation Blunt to tackle the problem.

"It is a high priority and the extra funding is a positive step.

"But we are pleased overall crime in the area is down by 7% but we will work very hard to improve this further."

Drugs offences rose 4% from last year - compared to a rise of 18% across England and Wales.

Criminal damage dropped 11% - this resulted in 4,332 fewer offences, the spokeswoman added.

Domestic burglary was down 9% but violence against people rose 2%.

The spokeswoman said the figures include domestic violence which she claimed was now being better reported.