Neighbourhood crime down and more shoplifters targeted by authorities.
Crime is decreasing in Milton Keynes and surrounding towns and villages, while the number of neighbourhood police officers is on the up, according to a new report from the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Matthew Barber has marked one year into his second term as Thames Valley’s commissioner with his annual report. And among the highlights of the report are:
- 13% reduction in neighbourhood crime (vehicle, theft, burglary, robbery)
- The number of funded neighbourhood police constable posts more than doubled from 149 in 2023 to 328 in 2025
- General victim support was enhanced through the Victims First Hub including support to over 1,700 domestic abuse victims
- Knife crime down by 7%
- Road safety: Overall KSI (killed and seriously injured) incidents reduced by 18%
- Number of repeat shoplifters targeted increased by 65% with an increased outcome rate of 19%
- Year-on-year reduction in rural crime offences by 17%
- £2.87 million was invested across 94 locally led projects
- Trust in police rose by 12% to 72%
The PCC’s Police and Crime plan for 2024-2029 ‘Protecting Thames Valley’ focuses on Protecting Communities, Protecting People, and Protecting Property. Initiatives such as expanding prevention programmes in schools, enhancing support for victims, and increasing police visibility in both urban and rural areas have been central to this aim.
“This Annual Report marks the conclusion of the first year under my second term as Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley,” said Matthew Barber.
“My focus remains steadfast in delivering my plan to protect communities, people and property, ensuring that national directives are integrated effectively into the Thames Valley, safeguarding the independence of the PCC role, and maintaining a policing service that reflects the needs of our communities.
“As we progress into the second year of the Police and Crime Plan, I remain committed to working closely with the Chief Constable, our partners, and the public to build on our achievements, address emerging challenges, and continue our mission to make Thames Valley a safer place for all.”
Neighbourhood policing, which was celebrated last week across the UK, has been the cornerstone of the plan and Thames Valley saw a 13% reduction in neighbourhood crime as well as more than double the number of neighbourhood police constables from 2023 to 2025 patrolling the streets.
The report covers many areas of crime and unrest in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.
Domestic abuse remains one of the most prevalent and high-risk crimes in Thames Valley. It accounts for a significant proportion of police demand and has a devastating impact on victims and families. The OPCC commissions domestic abuse services to support all victims through emotional and practical help. Over the past year, it supported more than 1,700 victims
Thames Valley Police remains committed to improving the policing response to Violence Against Women and Girls. Progress in the delivery of Project Vigilant has continued to play a vital role in safeguarding women and girls across Thames Valley’s night-time economy.
Knife crime is down 7% in the period covered by the annual report. The PCC supported the wider rollout of Thames Valley’s Youth Violence Programme, designed to reduce knife crime and serious youth offending. The programme uses intervention, mentorship and community partnerships to prevent violence, support young people, and break the cycle of offending.
Road safety is a key public concern and an area where multi-agency collaboration is already delivering a lasting impact. The PCC published the first Thames Valley Road Safety Strategy – a shared plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the roads and promote safer travel across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes. Overall KSI (killed and seriously injured) incidents were reduced by 19%.
Retail Crime going up means more reporting and action This year the OPCC also launched a new Thames Valley-wide anti-social behaviour (ASB) mediation service which it funded and is delivered by Alternatives to Conflict. The service is open to all communities across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Milton Keynes and is designed to help resolve neighbour and community disputes before they escalate into more serious or persistent ASB. The number of repeat shoplifters targeted increased by 65% with an increased outcome rate of 19%.
Tackling rural crime remains a key priority in the Police and Crime Plan and the PCC supports the Thames Valley Police’s Rural Crime Taskforce – a force-wide unit focused on disrupting theft, trespass, and organised crime targeting rural communities. Since its launch, the Taskforce has recovered over £8 million worth of stolen goods, including £4 million in 2024 alone. This includes 88 caravans, 441 motor vehicles, and 63 items of plant and machinery. Rural crime offences have decreased by 17%.
