Wokingham

Police in Wokingham are warning teenagers to stay on the right side of the law as schools prepare to close for the summer.

The long summer holidays are a time when police across the country often see an increase in unruly behaviour and criminal damage.

But Wokingham officers are determined to ensure the holiday passes off peacefully in their district.

Wokingham LPA Commander Ch Insp Tony Ismay said: “Wokingham in common with other areas across the force has seen a rise in the number of criminal damage offences this year.

“Although we have recently had successes against three graffiti ‘tag’ artists in the area a significant number of offences are vehicle related, carried out at certain times of the week by predominantly teenage offenders.

“Now that schools are due to close for the summer we will be increasing patrols and visibility at key times to prevent any further increase in this area.

“Additionally we shall, with our partners and other agencies, be facilitating a joint approach to the criminal damage problem.”

Wokingham LPA has seen a small but significant rise in criminal damage offences since April this year and statistics show that there is traditionally an increase in criminal damage to vehicles in the month of August.

Ch Insp Ismay says that there is no excuse for youngsters carrying out criminal damage and those caught will be dealt with positively.

Speaking directly to the young, he said: “We can all remember getting bored from time to time during the long summer holidays, but that is not an excuse for damaging vehicles and property.

“There are plenty of activities available for young people as an alternative to just hanging around.

“We don’t want to stop anyone’s fun, we just want to ensure that youngsters stay on the right side of the law this summer.”

Cllr Barrie Patman, executive member for community safety at Wokingham District Council, said: “While Wokingham district is one of the safest places in the country to live and work, we have seen a small rise in criminal damage offences. The council along with its partners are committed to ensuring that these figures do not rise and we have a number of measures in place to deter and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour on the streets of the district.

“The district’s youth centres are offering summer schemes including residential trips, football tournaments, activity days, BBQs and much, much more.

“I hope that many young people will check out what is happening at their local youth centre this summer. It promises to keep them entertained over the long school break.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Wokingham