Mixed bag for district crime figures as rape and drug incidents on the up, but crime overall at 15-year low

While overall crime in West Berkshire is at its lowest for 15 years, reports of rape, sex offences and domestic abuse have risen, according to the latest crime figures which were released yesterday (Wednesday).
The figures related to reported crime between April 2013 and March 2014.
Thames Valley Police Supt Robin Rickard said: “The increase we have seen in West Berkshire is reflected across the Thames Valley and nationally, and there’s no doubt that it’s linked to the substantial amount of media coverage of historical sexual offences and Operation Yewtree.”
Arson reports have also risen, as have drug offences, while vehicle crime and robbery reports have reduced.
For a full report on the figures, pick up a copy of today's Newbury Weekly News.