Crime has fallen by nearly a tenth on Hounslow's buses in the last year - but sexual offences are up by a third.

Robberies across the borough were down by more than a quarter during 2007/8 compared with the previous year, statistics from Transport for London (TfL) show.

Assaults also fell sharply, by 11 per cent, while vandalism dropped by 22 percent. But the number of thefts rose by 27 per cent and sexual offences were up by a third to 24.

Steve Burton, director of community safety enforcement and policing at TfL, hailed the results as proof extra police on buses are making a difference.

"The fact that robberies on the buses have been reduced by over a quarter in the past year is great news for the people of Hounslow and shows the really positive effect the Safer Transport Teams (STT) have had in bearing down on bus related crime," he said.

"New neighbourhood-style teams and with the new Hub team coming next year,  local concerns are being tackled head on.

"Hounslow's STTs are really getting to know their communities and are a visible deterrent to those who intend to commit crimes on and around the bus network. Buses are getting even safer and hopefully passengers are feeling the difference."

A total of 783 offences were recorded on buses in Hounslow during the last financial year, more than a third of which were criminal damage.

Hounslow STT, made up of 18 police community support officers (PCSOs), two sergeants and a PC, was launched last summer. It is one of 21 teams patrolling buses across London.