Vehicle crimes in Wycombe dropped between April 2014 and 2015 despite a spate of vandalism to more than 200 cars.

Throughout March, scores of vehicles were targeted by vandals, but police in the district have confirmed crime fell during the last year with 706 vehicle-related incidents reported.

In total, there were 7,795 incidents of crime in Wycombe for 2014/ 15, a 1.1 per cent from the 7,879 incidents the previous year.

There were 44.84 crimes per 1,000 people in Wycombe in 2014/15, compared to 52.33 crimes per 1,000 people across the Thames Valley as a whole.

Supt Ed McLean, LPA Commander for Wycombe, said: “I’m pleased to report that crime continues to be on a downward trend in Wycombe and each year we are seeing fewer victims of crime.

“These figures are further evidence that our focus on working with local partners to prevent crime is working.

“Having said that, we cannot afford to be complacent and will continue to work hard every day to prevent crimes and, when they do happen, bring the perpetrators to justice to ensure that Wycombe remains a safe place to live.”

Burglaries were cut by 7.7 per cent (from 765 incidents to 706) and public order offences dropped by 21.8 per cent.

However, in 2014/ 15, 58 incidents of rape were reported – 12 more than the year before – although 24 of the incidents did take place before April 2014.

Supt McLean said: “Rape has historically been an under-reported crime and I am pleased that now victims are having the confidence to come forward.

“The message is clear, if you are a victim of rape you will be believed, you will be looked after and we will do all that we can to catch the offender.”

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