Do we detect a return to traditional policing in the Thames Valley?

In a campaign to target burglars, police are now visiting the scene of almost every crime to collect evidence.

The result, according to Chief Constable Peter Neyroud, is "some really dramatic improvements in performance".

Last month, police attended 97 per cent of burglaries in the three counties, compared with about 60 per cent in August.

Clearly, police have a much better chance of catching the culprits if they arrive quickly to gather clues -- something once considered to be normal procedure.

Latest statistics show that the return to basics in this and other areas, coupled with DNA testing and other advances in technology, is paying handsome dividends.

Car crime and robbery as well as burglary are all falling sharply, particularly in Oxford, thanks to persistent work by officers.

They are sending a clear message to criminals in the city that criminal activity is not worth the risk. We hope the trend continues.