East Oxford's top police officer has promised vehicle crime in the area will drop as soon as CCTV is installed in Cowley Road.

Insp Brian Cooper was speaking after the latest crime statistics showed theft of vehicles and vehicle interference almost doubled between January and March compared with the same period in 2007.

He said: "The Cowley Road keeps us so busy that my officers have to spend the majority of their time patrolling along just that one road.

"There is a great need for us to be able to patrol the side streets more than we currently do.

"With CCTV on the Cowley Road we will be in a position to deploy those resources more, and I think that will have quite an impact on vehicle crime."

Figures showed a car or motor vehicle was stolen more than once every five days, with 19 taken in the three-month period compared to 10 the previous year.

All vehicle crime rose by 18.3 per cent and bicycle theft by 6.6 per cent - 65 bikes were stolen.

Mr Cooper said procedures were in place to better cover side streets in East Oxford. This could be achieved soon after CCTV is introduced.

A decision to install CCTV was reached in September 2007, but a date has yet to be set.

Mr Cooper said: "I am very aware a uniformed presence in the side streets is exactly what the residents want."

Overall crime fell by 3.5 per cent and violent crime was down 11.3 per cent - although more than one violent offence was committed every day.

Mr Cooper said: "I am thrilled violent crime has gone down because it has been our number one priority for some time, linked with the night-time economy."

East Oxford residents welcomed news they would soon see more officers on their roads.

Lynne Trenery, 48, of Southfield Road, said: "To me the area seems as it was and I have not noticed a discernible difference in car crime, so that is a bit of a surprise for me.

"If they are going to get more officers in the side streets that is great news because I would welcome seeing more policemen on foot on the streets."

Hazel Douglas, who lives in Marston Street, said: "I am very glad crime has gone down.

"East Oxford is kind of edgy, but I have never experienced it as being dangerous.

"I am surprised to hear about vehicle crime because I do not know anyone who has had a vehicle stolen.

"I would love more police on the side streets because I think it would be helpful."