Wokingham

Police in Wokingham are sending good wishes to everyone who will be going into the busy town centre over the festive period but are warning trouble makers to stay away.

Every Friday and Saturday night officers are running Operation Forge – a high visibility Wokingham campaign tackling anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related incidents before they get out of hand.

Over the busy Christmas period more people than usual will flock into Wokingham town centre and police want them to have a good time. But they will take a hard-line on those who cause trouble.

Ch Insp Tony Ismay said: “My message is simple, if you want to come into the town and have a good time then you are very welcome.

“However, if you come into the town and cause anti-social behaviour, get drunk and commit a violent crime you will be dealt with by my officers who will be patrolling the streets.

“It is a small minority who take their drinking too far and cause trouble and they will be dealt with robustly.

“Operation Forge has proved to be very successful in combating alcohol related violence in the town centre throughout the year. Figures for violent assaults have been reduced by over 20% and this operation has undoubtedly played a major part in this reduction.

“We also have an excellent Pub-watch scheme in the town which will support the operation once again. If a trouble maker is banned from one pub they will be banned from all the other venues in the scheme.

“The pubs in the scheme also have a radio link so they can communicate with each other immediately, identify trouble makers and turn them away.”

As part of the operation, which began at the start of this month, officers and PCSOs, are carrying out high visibility patrols outside Wokingham pubs and clubs to deter thieves, prevent assaults and to deal with any disorderly behaviour at closing time.

Officers also make regular contact with door staff and record details of any youth related alcohol issues.

Ch Insp Ismay said: “We want people to continue to enjoy their nights out in the town safely and by carrying out this high visibility operation at this particularly busy time of year, we hope to prevent any possible issues before they arise.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Wokingham