A new plan to tackle crime across the Thames Valley has been launched by the region's police and crime commissioner (PCC) today (July 29).

The plan, aiming to bolster community safety and criminal justice in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes, has three focus areas - protecting communities, people and property.

Matthew Barber, the PCC, said: “As police and crime commissioner, it is my job to be the voice of the public in policing and to ensure that the policing needs of local communities are met.

"This new plan builds upon the commitments I made during the recent PCC elections."

He stressed his commitment to expanding neighbourhood policing, combating anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls, and creating a "hostile environment" for criminals in rural communities and retail spaces.

Mr Barber added: "I will now hold the chief constable to account on the delivery of this plan, turning commitments into action and ensuring common sense policing that is proactive in fighting crime."

Thames Valley Police chief constable, Jason Hogg, said the plan "provides a clear vision to protecting everyone across the Thames Valley".

He added: “My officers and staff are committed to reducing anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls in all forms, as well as building trust and confidence back into policing.

"This plan closely aligns to the work my teams are doing across the force to help us achieve these objectives and many more."