PRINCESS Anne called for young people who are victims of crime to be given more support during a visit to Oxford yesterday.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal was at the Kassam Stadium for a conference organised by the charity Victim Support.

Speaking to people who worked in the justice system and children’s services, Princess Anne, who is president of Victim Support, and is pictured being greeted by Thames Valley Police chief constable Sara Thornton, said: “We realised it is not always easy for young people’s voices to be heard. The statistics have always shown, however you cut those statistics, that it is likely that young people are the biggest section of the population who are victims of crime.

“It means crimes are not being investigated and the community misses out on an opportunity to be protected.”

The chief executive of Victim Support said yesterday’s conference was held in Oxford because the service for young victims of crime in the Thames Valley area is well respected.

Javed Khan said: “We were delighted to have the Princess Royal come and visit.

“Here in Oxford we are in the heart of the Thames Valley and the area has been at the forefront of developing a response to children and young people as victims of crime.

“In the Thames Valley there is a well thought out approach and we want to spread their work across the country.”

Other speakers at the event included director of public prosecutions Keir Starmer.