New figures show that recorded crime in Witney and west Oxfordshire is on the increase.

A nine per cent rise, over two years, has been reported, compared with a national average of 7.9 per cent.

The main area of increase is in antisocial behaviour, including criminal damage and theft from motor vehicles.

The figures have been produced to help agencies draw up a three-year Community Safety Strategy to address offending and sentencing options.

Barry Norton, cabinet leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, one of the agencies involved, said: "There needs to be clear co-operation to get antisocial behaviour orders through the courts.

"Government funding is available and we need to work closely with the probation service, the health service, police and others.

"Our aim is to protect the community."

The orders, brought in by previous Home Secretary Jack Straw, can lead to prison sentences for persistent offenders.

The crime figure audit shows that west Oxfordshire has an overall crime level of 40.6 incidents for every 1,000 people, which is well below the national average of 98.1.

However, within west Oxfordshire, Witney accounts for more than a third of recorded crimes, including 41 per cent of criminal damage incidents.

Last year, according to the Home Office, crime cost the district £7.44m, including nearly £3m due to criminal damage.

In a report to tomorrow's district council cabinet meeting, community safety officer Bill Oddy said the strategy would tackle the causes of crime and antisocial behaviour and "focus on quality of life issues and community support".