We are already well into the early stages of a General Election campaign in which crime and policing are likely to be key issues.

Not surprisingly, as a Chief Constable, I think it is important that these issues are properly debated.

However, I also have a legal duty to 'reduce crime and disorder', which includes the fear of crime and its effects.

This means that, while I am as anxious as anyone in a democracy that issues are properly aired, I must also be concerned about the impact that injudicious or crude use of crime figures can have on people's fears for themselves, their families and their property.

We will ensure that the most up-to-date data on crime figures and police performance in Thames Valley is easily available on our website, and that an objective commentary is also available to assist every citizen in making their own judgements.

Broadly, recorded crime is down in Thames Valley.

Since 2002, we have seen a 19 per cent reduction in burglary, 14 per cent reduction in robbery and 12 per cent reduction in vehicle crime.

Overall, we have seen a two per cent reduction, within which some recording of violent crimes has increased.

The vast majority of that increase in violent crimes has come as a result of a conscious policy of recording more of the incidents involving violence that we deal with as 'recorded crimes'.

We have been particularly anxious to record more domestic violence incidents and more of the late-night, drink-related incidents as crimes to ensure we have as full a picture of both problems as possible and focus our resources on reaching them.

The British Crime Survey confirms that although we are recording more of these crimes, the underlying picture is not getting worse.

BCS data also suggests some signs of public confidence in the criminal justice system, including the police, beginning to improve.

Finally, it is important to make the point that improvements in our policing numbers (up 400 officers and 500 police staff in the last three years) have been supported and funded by a police authority which is cross party and cross-Thames Valley in its membership.

I value that cross-party support and the local representation on the authority that holds me publicly to account.

PETER NEYROUD

Chief Constable, Thames Valley Police