Thames Valley Police in Aylesbury are reporting significant progress in tackling crime in the area, particularly burglaries.
The number of recorded crime incidents in Aylesbury Vale in 2012 is down by 6.5% compared to the same period, April to July, 2011. This means that there were 124 recorded crime incidents in 2011 and 116 for 2012 for the same period.
Over the last quarter, Thames Valley Police Aylesbury Vale have worked closely with neighbouring police forces, exchanging information and knowledge about criminal activity across county borders.
They have controlled offenders well through local police activity and knowledge, and by working closely with the local probationary service, keeping a watchful eye on the possibility of re-offending.
On 31 August at Aylesbury Crown Court, Matthew Cousins, aged 37, of no fixed abode pleaded guilty to attempted burglary and theft at a house in Highbridge Road. He smashed two small panes of glass, which woke up the residents at the property. Police were called and arrested Cousins. He has received a custodial sentence of eight months.
Cousins was also found guilty of causing criminal damage to a window on 5 May in Penn Road, and a theft in Leach Road on the same day.
On Tuesday 31 July, Samuel Cuthbert, aged 26, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to three years and three months in prison for three burglaries in the Haddenham and Princes Risborough area. On the 22 June properties in Askett Lane, Princes Risborough and Nether Winchendon were targeted. The third property was on Lee Road, Saunderton Lee. Cuthbert used several different garden tools, a garden shovel in one instance, to force windows open at the property. He stole mainly jewellery, laptops, watches, ornaments and cutlery.
Joby Wells, aged 29, of no fixed abode, and Stuart Pettigrew, also aged 29, of no fixed abode, were sentenced on 19 July at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court for being jointly involved in a burglary that took place on 24 May 2012 in Broughton Lane, Aylesbury where they broke into a shed and took a ride on a motorised lawn mower. They were sentenced to 20 and 26 weeks imprisonment respectively.
Since 1 April 2012 the total period of sentencing for burglary in Aylesbury Vale has been 10 years and four months in prison. The co-operation and vigilance of the local community has been important in catching these burglars.
Sgt Gavin Biggs, from the local CID department at Aylesbury, said: "We would like to thank the public for their continued support and contribution towards tackling crime.
"Through the information provided by the local community, we have been able to catch these criminals, making our communities and streets safer for everyone. We are continuing to engage with the local community, and these convictions are examples of how the public can help by providing information which leads to successful results."
Chief Inspector Olly Wright, Deputy Commander for Aylesbury, said: "Tackling burglary is a real priority for us because of the impact it has on the victims. These significant crime results have been brought about through some excellent police work and cooperation with the local community.
"I would like to thank the public for providing crucial information which has assisted in putting these offenders in prison.
"I would also like to remind people to be conscious of their home security, particularly during the summer when windows and doors can be left open.
Anyone with information about burglaries and stolen property can report it by calling the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number on 101. Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org
