VIOLENT crime in the Thames Valley area has increased at a higher rate than the national average, according to figures released by the Home Office last week.

The annual crime statistics, charting the 12 months to March 2001, revealed that the area has seen a rise of 6.7 per cent in violent crimes against the person over the past year, against a national figure of 3.4 per cent.

But despite national and Thames Valley figures, the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships in Chiltern district and Wycombe district are reporting a reduction in most crimes.

In the Wycombe district dwelling burglaries decreased by 26.6 per cent and violent crimes saw a 12 per cent reduction but there has been no change in the number of robberies.

The disappointing figure was the increase in sexual offences.

Kate Spark, police spokesman, said: "We are disappointed, but it must be remembered that the actual number of these crimes remains very low.

"We know people feel more confident reporting this type of crime to us and our recording systems are much improved which may account in some way for the increase. Certainly if people feel more comfortable reporting these crimes to us that is to be welcomed."

The number of dwelling burglaries has reduced by 34 per cent in the Chiltern district and violent crimes against the person have reduced by 6.5 per cent but robbery has risen by 51.7 per cent.

The statistics also show that the South Bucks district has seen an increase in all crimes, including violent crime which rose by seven per cent and dwelling burglaries which rose by 30.2 per cent, except theft of vehicles which showed a reduction of 14.1 per cent.

Miss Spark, police spokesman, said of the Chiltern figures: "We are particularly pleased with the reductions in burglary and car crime which are ahead of national targets.

"A number of prolific burglars have been targeted by police during the past year which has certainly had an impact on the figures."

Cllr Julia Langley, a member of the Community Safety Partnership, said of the Wycombe figures: "District residents have highlighted crime reduction as a key area for improvement. These latest figures show that the partnership is achieving results for local people on crime issues."

Strategic partnership inspector for South Bucks Dave Colchester said: "South Bucks is being compared to other areas that have extremely low levels of crime and it is important that local residents realise that the area is well below the national average in most categories, especially violent crime."