A SPECIALIST unit has been launched by Thames Valley Police in a bid to drive down vehicle-related crime in the Wycombe district.

The Auto Crime Unit sped into action on June 21 as part of a crackdown on the thefts of and thefts from vehicles within south Buckinghamshire.

The unit, the first of its kind to have ever been operated within the district, has five dedicated officers, who have already made a series of car crime-related arrests.

The team will respond to calls from residents, build up intelligence on suspected offenders and also carry out patrols around the area as part of its day-to-day operations.

Sgt Nicola Pocock, who leads the team, said: “It was started because the force has been focusing on serious acquisitive crime, which has been one of the higher modes of crime in this area. But it's going extremely well.

“So we are here to act on that and target these people that commit these crimes because we believe that they usually do not just commit these, but a multitude of other crimes.”

The unit is currently tackling a spate of car badge thefts in Lane End, after ten such crimes were reported in the village between June 17 and June 23.

The police are offering a £50 reward for information leading to arrests and the recovery of the badges.

PC Kate Burton said: “The badges are from a range of makes including Dodge and Mercedes.

“There is a suggestion the thefts are being carried out by someone in the community, the thefts seem to be carried out in a small area of the village.”

Contact the Auto Crime Unit at High Wycombe police station on 0845 8 505 505 or contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111 with information.

Wycombe District Council and Thames Valley Police's joint Public Safety Team is also offering number plate screws to residents within the Wycombe district.

Police say the initiative was been launched following “the national problem” of number plate thefts.

Visit High Wycombe police station in Queen Victoria Road to pick up the free screws.