Wokingham

Here is the latest update for Wokingham town centre from Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Mark Powell:

During the summer months the allotments in Latimer Road saw an increase in the number of sheds that were broken into and tools that were stolen. This clearly had an affect on the Wokingham allotment holders who had to repair their sheds and replace the tools.

I am happy to report that as a result of positive action by police and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) working together with our partners at Wokingham Borough Council and the allotment holders, a number of youths were detained and dealt with.

A collection of the stolen tools were subsequently recovered and thanks to the sterling efforts of PSCO Jenny Skilton some of the items have been return to the owners.

However, we have been unable to reunite some of the tools with their owners at the allotments and therefore we are very keen to appeal to them to contact us on 0845 8 505 505.

Crime on the allotment has dried up and long may it continue, but may I take this opportunity to stress the importance of reporting these incidents to the police so that we can build up a picture of what is happening in our communities so that we can focus our resources to make a difference.

Many of the shopkeepers and publicans of Wokingham town centre have just taken delivery of their shiny new radios which allow a direct link between themselves, the police, community wardens and the CCTV monitoring suite. The aim of the radios is to improve communication between all of the parties to prevent and detect crime and anti-social behaviour with the assistance of Wokingham’s CCTV cameras.

An example of the radios in action would be a Wokingham shopkeeper circulating the description of someone seen acting suspiciously in their store and then leaving. Other stores would then be aware of this person and their actions monitored by CCTV cameras.

There are around 50 radios in circulation which clearly shows that the system is effective and I would urge any other business wishing to join up to contact me and share in its success.

On another positive note I would like to congratulate John Bingham and John Hibbert who recently received a police commendation for their dedicated effort and professionalism in running the highly successful Wokingham Pubwatch which aims to make a Wokingham a safer night time economy. Both gents thoroughly deserved this award and were typically humble in receiving it.

We will be running another Wokingham surgery in the town before Christmas so watch out for details to follow soon. The surgery provides an excellent opportunity to come and speak to either myself or my team, PCSOs Jenny Skilton and Roy Sully. In the meanwhile feel free to stop us in the street and have a chat about any issues in the town.

Thames Valley Police ~ Wokingham