CRIME in the Chiltern and South Bucks policing area has dropped by 5% - from 7.607 offences to 7,234 - according to the latest Thames Valley Police figures.

The figures for the 2013/14 financial year show a reduction in many areas, including burglary, robbery and violence against the person.

But there have been rises in theft from motor vehicles (932 to 969) and sexual offences compared to 2012/13, with increases of 4% and 16% respectively.

Superintendent Steve Hockin, Chiltern and South Bucks local policing area commander, said: "Last year we had a significant drop [in thefts from motor vehicles] because of the Olympics effect and appalling weather meant that a lot of the beauty spots were not visited so criminals went elsewhere and this year we have seen some of that crime come back.

"Theft from motor vehicles is a challenge for us. It is our core business and we are continually getting new intelligence." Sex offences have risen in the policing area from 107 to 124 recorded offences, but the increase is due to the 'willingness' of victims to come forward.

Supt Hockin said: "There is no room for complacency. We will review our strategies to get the best way forward for improvement but some of the increase [in sex offences] is down to people's willingness to report, and we take these kind of offences incredibly seriously." Burglary dwelling is down 8% from 629 to 581, and non-dwelling burglaries are also down from 825 to 804.

Domestic abuse offences have dropped by 10% from 543 to 489, while there was an 8% decrease in violence against the person (968 to 887).

Supt Hockin said: "I am really pleased that crime is down and that is a reflection of good police work and also effective partnerships.

"This coming year it is about reducing burglary dwelling and reducing violence. We will continue to catch burglars and continue to catch people who are violent to others, with particular focus on domestic abuse and sexual offences." Anthony Stansfeld, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, said: “I am delighted that Chiltern and South Bucks have seen a drop in overall crime this year and I would like to take the opportunity to thank all officers, staff and volunteers for their hard work and dedication."