THIRTY-SIX crimes are committed in High Wycombe each day, according to figures released by Victim Support.

Many of these crimes leave victims feeling frightened, confused and in need of expert help and support to get over their ordeal.

Victim Support, an independent charity, works tirelessly behind the scenes to help the victims of crime long after the police and criminal justice system have moved on.

Claire Dalton, Buckinghamshire manager of the charity, has just overseen a major shake-up of the way the charity operates, and is now hoping to recruit more volunteers to serve both the Wycombe and Chiltern area.

She also is also calling for more victims of crime to come forward and make use of the support that the charity offers, and stresses that every case is dealt with in confidence.

Victims who do not want to contact the police can still seek help from Victim Support without the authorities being informed.

She said: "We are an independent charity and we do work with the police. The police refer people to us and we also accept self-referrals. We cover everything from burglaries and distraction burglaries through to rape, sexual assaults, domestic violence and homicide.

"I'm looking for more volunteers and am looking for people who can give me a minimum of three hours a week.

"We don't just take referrals from the police, we are there for anyone who is a victim of crime, even if the crime is unreported and they do not want it to be reported. Our service is totally confidential."

Volunteers are given full training and anyone interested is urged to contact Victim Support on 01296 397618 and ask for Claire Dalton or Mary Craig.

If you are a victim of crime and want to contact the charity, call the victim line on 01296 395946 during office hours, or contact the 24-hour line on 0845 3030900.