Crack cocaine is a major problem in areas of the Thames Valley

Tackling drug misuse in the Thames Valley is the top police priority for the next three years, according to the force's new three year plan.

The strategic plan, the first of its kind, sets out Thames Valley Police (TVP) force's top priorities until 2006.

They say that after consultation with community leaders, they felt the most important task was to get to grips with the area's drug problem.

The four key themes of the plan are reducing crime, investigating crime, promoting safety and security and helping the public.

The strategy aims to provide a focus and clear direction, so that we make the best use of the resources we have Peter Neyroud, TVP Chief Constable

They also say they plan to step up police patrols, particularly in more deprived areas.

All police forces in the country are now required to produce a three-year plan, setting out their local objectives.

On drug crime, TVP intend to target the most serious drug-addicted offenders, and draw up individual plans for each person, including treatment options.

Reading, Slough and Oxford were recently identified by government as places with a high level of crack cocaine abuse.

On other crime, the force aim to achieve a 21% detection rate for burglary, a 12% detection rate for car crime and a 30% detection rate for robbery by 2006.

Chief Constable Peter Neyroud said: "We have taken into account the views of local communities, the findings of crime and disorder partnerships, and the national policing plan, and to satisfy all their needs is a very tall order for a Force with our retention difficulties.

"The strategy aims to provide a focus and clear direction, so that we make the best use of the resources we have.

"Providing we all pull together in the same direction, and work in a joined-up way with help from our partner agencies we should be able to deliver."