POLICE say criminal damage has fallen by more than 43 per cent in Thame since Operation Mend was launched in June this year.

The figures compare June to August with the previous three months, March to June. Chinnor has seen a 36.4 per cent reduction and Wheatley has seen a 36.8 per cent fall.

Inspector Jim O'Ryan, of Thame police, said: "This positive trend is due to some hard work not only by staff of Thames Valley Police but our partner agencies too. It is a trend that I wish to see continue.

"A vital part of this work is that people contact us as soon as they are aware of criminality, so that we have a chance of tackling it as soon as possible and get a true picture of what is happening and when."

In the first three months of Operation Mend, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), Crime Reduction Advisors and Schools Officers visited 18 primary and secondary schools across the area. Pupils were told about the consequences of criminal damage and shown a video during many of their school assemblies.

Pubs, fast food outlets and shops displayed Operation Mend posters encouraging people to contact Crimestoppers with information about those committing criminal damage.

Extra patrols by police and PCSOs have taken place in areas that have experienced higher-than-average levels of criminal damage.

Insp O'Ryan added: "We will continue to keep the pressure on anyone who causes damage and vandalism in the area. Anyone caught could be arrested, fined and face a criminal record.

"If you have information about someone who has damaged property then please contact us."