Crowthorne & Sandhurst

The High Street in Crowthorne has re-opened following an incident at Nationwide during the early hours of 8/9.

Detectives continue to investigate the incident which happened at about 2.50am.

During the incident, an old style yellow JCB digger, believed to have been stolen, was driven at the Crowthorne bank, causing extensive damage to the front of the building.

This digger has now been reocvered by police and will be forensically examined.

Police believe that two Crowthorne getaway cars were involved in the incident and these cars remain outstanding at this time.

A police car, which had attended the scene of the incident and was stationary in Duke’s Ride at the junction with Crowthorne High Street, was rammed by one of the getaway cars. Thankfully, the police officer inside the vehicle was uninjured.

At this time Crowthorne enquiries are on-going to establish what if anything has been stolen.

No arrests have been made.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any other information which may assist police with their investigation, is urged to contact Det Sgt Paul Quinton via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or leave your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Crowthorne

Here is the September neighbourhood update from Police Community Support Officer Alastair Willcocks.

Your neighbourhood policing team, Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Alex Hillan, PCSO Alastair Willcocks and PCSO Katherine Bullen, have been busy working with local people and partners identifying and tackling local crime issues, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and on-going concerns.

Over the last three-month period the average monthly reports of thefts from vehicle has decreased by 40 per cent and theft of vehicle by 80 per cent compared with the same three-month period last year. Overall anti-social behaviour incidents have decreased by 26 per cent.

Burglaries in the area have decreased by 26 per cent compared to the same three-month period last year.

I would remind residents of the importance of double-locking your door particularly at night to prevent “letter box” break-ins. This is where the burglar puts an implement through the letter box to open the door handle on the inside. Double-locking your front door will prevent this, but keep the key handy where it can easily be found by anyone living in the house.

Officers are carrying out targeted patrols in the area and asking members of the public to report any suspicious behaviour to the police.

PCSO Willcocks and colleagues have carried out a Clear Car Campaign in Owlsmoor and College Town reminding car owners not to leave valuables on display in their vehicles.

There have been a number of activities for young people running over the summer holidays as part of Bracknell Forest Council’s Extended Services “Summer of Fun" programme. On 9 August the RMA held an activity day for young people, which was part of the Summer of Fun Programme. The neighbourhood team joined the Youth Service and young people of Sandhurst to have a game of rounders at the local park at the end of July.

Police have been showing an even more visible presence over this period, engaging with young people and patrolling hotspots to combat anti-social behaviour.

Operation Lion Cub is proving to be successful over Friday and Saturday nights helping to reduce anti-social behaviour, providing faster response times to incidents and providing reassurance and confidence to the public. If you are affected by ASB please contact your neighbourhood team.

On 8 July two women were arrested for burglary in Rookwood Avenue in Owlsmoor. The property was recovered from the burglary.

A 17 year-old boy was issued with a fixed penalty notice for being drunk and disorderly.

A man in his forties was charged with a public order offence.

On 10 August a 29-year-old man was arrested and charged to attend court for shoplifting from the Co-Op store, Yeovil Road, Owlsmoor.

A number of incidents of shoplifting have been dealt with at The Meadows in College Town. Unfortunately this is to be expected at a large retail outlet.

On Thursday 12 August between 9am and10:30am PCSO Willcocks and a volunteer carried out a Speedwatch check using the Speed Indicator Device along Branksome Hill Road in College Town.

Community volunteers work alongside Thames Valley Police officers to identify vehicles which break the speed limit. A display flashes up with the speed of the driver approaching; the main aim is to educate speeding motorists and make them stop and think. Registration numbers are entered onto a database which produces a letter informing the registered owner that their vehicle has been noted to have exceeded the speed limit and warning them not to do so in the future.

If the same registration number is logged in another Speed Watch anywhere within Thames Valley area, the owner will receive another letter advising them that if they are caught a third time the information will be passed onto Roads Policing, who may take further action.

A small number of drivers were logged exceeding the 30mph limit during the hour and a half session. Archer strips were used, but no significant problem was identified along the road. If you are interested in being involved with Speed Watch please let me know.

Parking in College Road and Branksome Hill Road hasn’t been too much of a problem over the summer period. A planned operation is to commence after the schools go back to combat bad parking before and after school. Please report any vehicles causing an unnecessary obstruction. The rule of thumb is if you can’t get a double pushchair through the gap where a vehicle has parked on the pavement, causing pedestrians to walk out into the road, then we can issue a warning notice or a fixed penalty ticket.

On Monday 16 August patrols were conducted around Owlsmoor, in conjunction with the Arson Reduction Adviser for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, following recent small fires in Wildmoor Heath, Magdalene Road, and South Road. Officers are asking residents to report any suspicious behaviour to the police.

A Thames Valley Police open day is being held on Saturday 4 September between 10am and 4pm at Thames Valley Police Training Centre in Sulhamstead near Reading. The open day aims to help promote greater understanding of the work of the various departments and specialist roles within the Force.

The public will have the opportunity to look around the Force Museum, which is packed with the history of Thames Valley Police, and get the chance to meet some of the officers from the Force’s specialist departments. Admission is £2.50 per adult and under 16s go free. No dogs, except guide dogs, are allowed on site. Parking at the site is limited and will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Disabled access is available. One of the main attractions of the day is the police helicopter which will be manned by the Chiltern Air Support Unit. The Roads Policing department will also be present with various vehicles. Also in attendance will be the mounted and dog sections. Displays will also be taking place throughout the day. For more information visit the force website.

Community Messaging

This free service provides information to subscribers about crime and police activity in their area via phone or email. It also includes information on what we and our partner services are doing to bring offenders to justice or combat anti-social behaviour, and information on opportunities for local residents to raise concerns with their local policing teams.

Operation Labrador is targeting dog walkers and joggers in and around Sandhurst, while on their early morning or late walks or runs, to help police keep an eye out for vehicles of interest that may be stolen or involved in crime. It is run using a community messaging system with details sent to all members on these vehicles of interest. If you would like to take part in this initiative please email Margaret.weber@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk with your full details.

You can contact your local neighbourhood policing team through a number of methods, but our next “Have your Say” public meeting will be held on 2 September from 5pm to 6pm outside the Co-Op store in Yeovil Road, Owlsmoor.

These meetings are an ideal opportunity for residents to speak to their neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs about any local issues. No appointment is necessary, just turn up. Further surgeries will be publicised locally.

If you want any advice or would like to contact the neighbourhood team you can call us on the police non emergency number 0845 8 505505

Thames Valley Police ~ Owlsmoor

Here is the September neighbourhood update for Sandhurst from PCSO Lauren Byrne.

This month the average crime figures are down by 6.5 per cent, continuing a downward trend over the past few months. The number of burglaries has decreased from seven this time last year to just three this year. This is great to see, however we are still reminding all Sandhurst residents to be vigilant and lock doors and windows when leaving your property or going to bed at night.

Anti-social behaviour is still on the decrease, from 24 incidents this time last year to 16 this year. Operation Lion Cub still runs on a Friday and Saturday night, and a similar version of Lion Cub is now running over all week nights, particularly during school holidays, to tackle anti-social behaviour. If you are experiencing any issues with anti-social behaviour please call us on 0845 8505 505 and ask to speak to one of the Sandhurst neighbourhood team, or alternatively email me: Lauren.Byrne@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk .

Vehicle crime is at the same level as last year, with four incidents. As your neighbourhood team, we regularly conduct checks on public car parks and residential roads for any valuables left on display in parked vehicles. Please continue to take all valuables with you and together we can further reduce the number of vehicle crimes. In particular, owners of work vans are a target for criminals with one incident this month where tools were taken from a van in a public house car park. Unfortunately, the offender has not been traced. This is another reminder to make sure your vehicles are secure and no items are left on display.

The summer activities on the Memorial Ground went down a treat with a variety of different things going on for all ages. There have been Play Ranger activities, climbing walls, bouncy castles, National Play Day, treasure hunts and many more which were successful and well received by residents of Sandhurst. We were lucky enough to have these activities through the fantastic organisation of Bracknell Forest Council Extended Services and other partner agencies and volunteers.

Operation Labrador is targeting dog walkers in and around Sandhurst, to help police keep an eye out for vehicles of interest that may be stolen or involved in crime, whilst of their early morning or late walks or jogs. It is run using a community messaging system with details for all members on these vehicles of interest. If you would like to take part in this initiative please email Margaret.weber@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk with your full details.

Community messaging is a free service that provides information to subscribers about crime and police activity in their area via phone or email. It also includes information on what we and our partner services are doing to bring offenders to justice or combat anti-social behaviour, and information on opportunities for local residents to raise concerns with their local policing teams.

The next Have Your Say meeting is on Wednesday 22 September at 6pm to 7pm on the Memorial Ground, Sandhurst. These meetings are an ideal opportunity for residents to speak to their neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs about any local issues. No appointment is necessary, just turn up. Further surgeries will be publicised locally and on the force website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk.

If you want any advice or would like to contact the neighbourhood team you can call us on the police non emergency number 0845 8 505505

Thames Valley Police ~ Sandhurst

A total of 50 drivers were dealt with for speeding in the Sandhurst and Crowthorne area this morning (9/8), after another successful speed operation.

Speed checks were carried out at two locations between 7.30am and 12pm; Waterloo Road in Crowthorne and the A321 Wokingham Road, at the Church Road junction in Little Sandhurst.

The Sandhurst and Crowthorne checks were arranged as part of a sustained effort to continue to address concerns residents have voiced at Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) meetings. All the roads where the checks took place are subject to a 30mph limit.

The operation was run by PC Bob Wade, Road Safety Constable from the Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership, working in conjunction with the neighbourhood policing team and Bracknell Forest Council Road Safety Team.

Fifty Sandhurst and Crowthorne drivers were stopped for exceeding the 30mph limit, with speeds ranging from 35mph to 48mph. Those travelling at 40mph and above were issued with Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) of £60 and three penalty points. Three of these drivers were under 25-years-old so were given the opportunity to attend a young drivers course, in place of the points and fine. The course is paid for by the driver.

Sandhurst and Crowthorne Drivers travelling between 35mph and 39mph were given the opportunity to accept road-side education delivered by Sgt Thorne, PC Steve Botwright, and Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Willcocks from the neighbourhood team, who were assisted by Special Constable Birkett.

One driver had his vehicle seized as he had no insurance. The Sandhurst and Crowthorne driver was issued a fixed penalty of £200 and given six points at the roadside. In order to claim the vehicle the driver needs to take valid driving documentation and insurance to a police station within 14 days and pay the recovery costs of £150.

PC Bob Wade said: “Many of the drivers stopped were local to the area and some were most apologetic. Some even informed me that they were amongst the complainers regarding the speed issue. I will be continuing to support Neighbourhood Specialist Officer on this priority.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Sandhurst and Crowthorne

Creating An Individual Look With Designer Craft – A Refreshing Alternative To The High Street

Craft In Focus whose events have been described as the best of their kind in the UK, is staging another contemporary Craft and Design Show at Wellington College, Crowthorne from 22-24 October. Set in 400 acres, this historical college provides the perfect backdrop for an event of this calibre. All of the talented exhibitors have designed and made the work they display, and have been selected for their individuality and innovation in contemporary design, as well as outstanding technical ability. Craft In Focus has earned a reputation for selecting only the finest designer craftmakers and contemporary artists to show their work at their events.

This Crowthorne event will feature around 100 professional designer makers showing jewellery, glass, fashion, ceramics, textiles, artwork, interior accessories and furniture and is the ideal place to purchase unique, hand crafted work of a quality not seen at other events. New exhibitors to the event this year include AG Sculptures showing woodcarvings and bronzes of birds and wildlife, Arleen Wild who produces mixed media fine art textile landscapes, Burlington Original Art showing highly textured mixed media hand produced framed original art, Circle and Dash who design and make jewellery from paper, David Leak a maker of finely crafted boxes, ceramic artist, Geckoman, Mad Lou Publishing with their original art, prints and cards, Myra Wishart who produces ceramics and fused glass pieces, Quiltdame selling stitched, quilted and embroidered heirlooms of the future and Siddy Langley with her stunning studio glass.

Visitors to Craft In Focus shows are often stunned at the talent of UK-based designer craftmakers and visit these events to seek out contemporary craftmakers to purchase something that is not mass-produced and that has been designed and handcrafted in the UK. Craft in Focus events provide the perfect opportunity to treat yourself, purchase something beautiful for a loved one or for your home.

Rarely is such a wealth of top quality work seen together at a single event. For further information contact Craft in Focus on 01622 747 325. Opening times are: 22-24 October, 1 pm – 6 pm on Friday, 10 am – 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is £4.50 for adults, £3.50 for over 65s. Accompanied under 14′s free.

Venue address: Wellington College, Dukes Ride, Crowthorne, RG45 6DY

Craft in Focus

Crowthorne & Sandhurst Youngsters living in Bracknell Forest can enjoy a free programme of activities this summer.

From African drumming and belly dancing to tug-of-war and space hopping – there is something for everyone.

The fun free Crowthorne & Sandhurst activities – organised by Bracknell Forest Council’s extended services team – run until the end of August and are available to children, young people and their families.

In Sandhurst, as part of the Sandhurst summer of fun, there are activities arranged every week day throughout August. Whilst some of the activities need booking in advance, there are others which don’t require booking. Activities include karate sessions on Thursday, August 19, and moped training on Tuesday, August 24, and Wednesday, August 25. Visit www.sandhurstpride.co.uk or email sandhurstfun@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or call 01344 354094 for more information.

In Crowthorne, there are a number of sessions throughout August, including summer fun on the rec every Friday between 3pm and 6pm, space hop summer activities every Wednesday from 11am to midday and 1.30pm to 2.30pm and playranger activities each Friday from 10am until midday. Further information about these sessions can be found at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/extendedservices

Residents of Jennett’s Park can enjoy African drumming on Friday, August 13, and street dance on Wednesday, August 18. Booking is required for all of these – call 01344 354094.

Graham Symonds, Crowthorne & Sandhurst extended services manager at the council, said: The extended services team and its partners have worked hard to ensure that there are a wide variety of free activities available to children, young people and their families this summer.”

Cllr Alan Kendall, executive member for education, said: The free programme of activities throughout all of the summer holidays gives young people in Bracknell Forest the opportunity to take part in a diverse range of activities, to learn something new and hopefully to meet new friends and have lots of fun.”

Bracknell Forest Council ~ Crowthorne & Sandhurst

Here is the August neighbourhood update for Crowthorne from PC Alex Hillan.

Your neighbourhood policing team, PC Alex Hillan, PC Steve Botwright and PCSO Katherine Bullen, have been busy working with local people and partners identifying and tackling local crime issues, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and on-going concerns.

In April, May and June, overall recorded crime in Crowthorne has decreased significantly from 144 to 108 incidents, compared with the same three month period last year. The records show that burglaries have fallen from 18 to 11 and vehicle crimes from 15 to 5. Crime figures for Crowthorne can now be viewed on http://maps.police.uk/view/thames-valley.

I would like to remind residents of the importance of double locking your door, particularly at night, to prevent “letter box” break-ins. This is where the door is opened from the outside by putting an implement through the letter box to open the door handle on the inside. Double locking your front door will prevent this, but keep the key handy where it can easily be found by anyone living in the house. If you complete this simple double locking procedure it will soon become a habit and significantly reduce your chances of being a victim of burglary.

Summer activities are taking place again in Crowthorne this year after excellent support and attendance from the community in 2009. These activities provide fun for children, young people and their families in and around Crowthorne. A list of activities and dates can be found in Crowthorne Library, the Parish Offices, Social Club and various outlets throughout Crowthorne or for more information please contact PCSO Katherine Bullen at katherine.bullen@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk. The events are free for all those wishing to take part; just turn up and join in!

We have recently seen an increase in arson incidents taking place around the Crowthorne and Sandhurst areas. If you witness this behaviour or know who may be responsible please contact the police on 08458 505 505. We would warn people that starting small camp fires in this hot and dry weather is extremely dangerous.

An incident occurred on Saturday 12 June outside the Crowthorne social club, Wellington Road, Crowthorne. At approximately 10:40 pm an assault occurred and a man has been arrested in connection with the incident. I would like to thank members of the public for contacting the police. If anyone has any further information related to the incident please contact Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505.

Patrols in the Morgan Recreation Ground have been continuing during the summer weekends. Officers will be focusing their attention in this area when school holidays begin. This year the amount of litter on the recreation ground has increased. We would advise everyone who uses it to respect residents and clean up after themselves, and also to educate younger people that this behaviour has a negative impact on the community.

I would like to thank everyone involved for the excellent outreach work that goes on in Crowthorne. Members of the Hope Zone team give up their time and work incredibly hard to support and engage with young people; they are a real credit to the community.

Due to concerns from local residents about speeding issues, speed enforcement is being carried out on a regular basis throughout the year at various locations in the Crowthorne area. The operations are run by PC Bob Wade, Road Safety Constable from the Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership, working in conjunction with the neighbourhood team at Crowthorne Police Station and Bracknell Forest Council Road Safety Team. In June, 69 drivers were stopped for exceeding the 30mph limit, with speeds ranging from 35mph to 56mph. Those travelling at 40mph and above were issued with Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) of £60 and three penalty points. Three of these drivers were under 25 years old, so were given the opportunity to attend a young drivers course in place of the points and fine. Those drivers that were travelling at 50mph and above will be reported to attend magistrates’ court at a later date. Drivers travelling between 35mph and 39mph were given the opportunity to accept road-side education from PC Steven Botwright assisted by Special Constable Paul Cave.

The most important issue that has been raised from these operations is that many of the drivers stopped are residents in Crowthorne and many admitted to previously complaining about speeding to the police!

We are encouraging local people who walk/travel a regular route, perhaps walking their dogs, out for a jog and local workers, to enrol on a community messaging system called Operation Labrador.

If you enrol, you will receive details and be asked to keep an eye out for vehicles that are an interest to the police. These vehicles may be stolen or suspected of involvement in crime.

For further details please contact margaret.weber@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk

A Thames Valley Police open day is being held on Saturday 4 September between 10am and 4pm, at Thames Valley Police Training Centre in Sulhamstead, near Reading. The open day aims to help promote greater understanding of the work of the various departments and specialist roles within the Force.

The public will have the opportunity to look around the Force Museum, which is packed with the history of Thames Valley Police, and get the chance to meet some of the officers from the Force’s specialist departments. Admission is £2.50 per adult and under 16s go free. No dogs, except guide dogs, are allowed on site. Parking at the site is limited and will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Disabled access is available. One of the main attractions of the day is the police helicopter which will be manned by the Chiltern Air Support Unit. The Roads Policing department will also be present with various vehicles. Also in attendance will be the mounted and dog sections. Displays will also be taking place throughout the day. For more information visit the force website.

Community Messaging

This free service provides information to subscribers about crime and police activity in their area via phone or email. It also includes information on what we and our partner services are doing to bring offenders to justice or combat anti-social behaviour, and information on opportunities for local residents to raise concerns with their local policing teams.

Thames Valley Police ~ Crowthorne

Here is the August neighbourhood update for Sandhurst and Little Sandhurst from Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Lauren Byrne.

In April, May and June, overall reported crime in our neighbourhood has reduced slightly from 108 to 101 incidents, compared with the same three-month period in 2009. Reports of burglary dwelling have fallen from 21 to 10 and anti-social behaviour incidents have gone down from 73 to 50. This last figure is a fantastic result and shows that our continuing efforts to tackle the problem are working. The public make a significant contribution through their assistance with Operation Lion Cub and other initiatives to reduce low-level crime and disorder. We still urge any residents who are experiencing anti-social behaviour to please let us know so we can help to solve these issues.

However, the number of vehicle crimes has not improved, with 12 reports in April, May and June compared to 11 in the same period last year. Vehicle crime is an issue we are trying to tackle constantly, but it often proves difficult when there are no witnesses or potential evidence. This is something we are trying to change, so we encourage any residents who do see anything suspicious or any crime taking place to please call us. We will also be carrying out regular Clear Car Campaigns around public car parks and residential roads, where we check vehicles for any valuables on show, which may tempt a thief, and send a letter to the owners if we cannot trace them immediately.

As the summer months are here, the Memorial Ground has been put to good use by residents of all ages. There has been little anti-social behaviour and the park and its facilities are being well used. We have a variety of activities coming up on the Memorial Ground in the Sandhurst Summer of Fun, which everyone can get involved with.

Last month we had vehicles ‘displaying’ or driving in an anti-social manner within the Memorial Ground car park. There has been a marked improvement here: although we do still have cars frequenting the car park, there have been no reports of displaying. If this issue is affecting you please email PCSO Byrne Lauren.Byrne@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk so I am aware of the problem. This issue will continue to be monitored.

Over the last month we have had one local young man plead guilty to charges of possession with intent to supply a class B drug. He has received a suspended prison sentence and our Economic Crime Unit have been successful in obtaining a court order requiring the young man to repay money he made through his illegal activities.

Three people have been charged and bailed to attend East Berkshire Magistrates’ Court for offences of shoplifting, one for possession of a class B drug and four cautions have been administered for minor assault/public order offences.

We are continuing to use the Speed Indicator Device (SID) to tackle the NAG priority of speeding. If there are any volunteers who wish to be trained in the SID please contact me on the email above.

Operation Labrador is targeting dog walkers and joggers in and around Sandhurst, while on their early morning or late walks or runs, to help police keep an eye out for vehicles of interest that may be stolen or involved in crime. It is run using a community messaging system with details sent to all members on these vehicles of interest. If you would like to take part in this initiative please email Margaret.weber@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk with your full details.

This month I have made visits to the Uplands nursery to do talks on “Stranger Danger” for the children. This was very well received and helps to make sure that young members of Sandhurst community know who the police are and who to talk to if in need. I have also visited the Day Centre this month, and will be doing this regularly as it is comforting for the elderly to know we are around.

I will be getting involved with lots of the Summer of Fun activities on the Memorial Ground over the next month, as well as with the youth workers from The Spot.

The next ’Have Your Say’ meeting is on Sunday 29 August from 12pm to 1pm on the Memorial Ground, Sandhurst. These meetings are an ideal opportunity for residents to speak to their neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs about any local issues. No appointment is necessary, just turn up. Further surgeries will be publicised locally and on the force website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk.

A Thames Valley Police open day is being held on Saturday 4 September between 10am and 4pm, at Thames Valley Police Training Centre in Sulhamstead, near Reading.

The open day aims to promote greater understanding of the work of the various departments and specialist roles within the Force.

The public will have the opportunity to look around the Force Museum, which is packed with the history of Thames Valley Police, and get the chance to meet some of the officers from the Force’s specialist departments. Admission is £2.50 per adult and under 16s go free. No dogs, except guide dogs, are allowed on site. Parking at the site is limited and will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Disabled access is available. One of the main attractions of the day is the police helicopter which will be manned by the Chiltern Air Support Unit. The Roads Policing department will also be present with various vehicles. Also in attendance will be the mounted and dog sections. Displays will also be taking place throughout the day. For more information visit the Force website.

If you want any advice or would like to contact the neighbourhood team you can call us on the police non emergency number 0845 8 505505 or email sandhurstNHPT@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk. Please note this email address cannot be used to contact Thames Valley Police to report crimes or for any urgent matters. Alternatively you can visit the force website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk to view information on your neighbourhood.

Community Messaging

This free service provides information to subscribers about crime and police activity in their area via phone or email. It also includes information on what we and our partner services are doing to bring offenders to justice or combat anti-social behaviour, and information on opportunities for local residents to raise concerns with their local policing teams.

Thames Valley Police ~ Sandhurst

Here is the August neighbourhood update for Owlsmoor and College Town from Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Alastair Willcocks.

Your neighbourhood policing team, Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Alex Hillan, PCSO Alastair Willcocks and PCSO Katherine Bullen, have been busy working with local people and partners identifying and tackling local crime issues, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and on-going concerns.

In April, May and June, reports of burglary dwelling in our neighbourhood have fallen from 15 to 11, vehicle crime from 25 to 13, violent crime from 33 to 26 and anti-social behaviour from 94 to 69, compared with same three months in 2009. Crime figures for Owlsmoor and College Town can now be viewed on http://maps.police.uk/view/thames-valley

I would remind residents of the importance of double locking your door, particularly at night, to prevent “letter box” break-ins. This is where the door can be opened from the outside by putting an implement through the letter box to open the door handle on the inside. Double locking your front door will prevent this, but keep the key handy where it can easily be found by anyone living in the house.

A 21-year-old man has been charged with causing criminal damage to vehicles in the local area.

A man in his forties was dealt with for a public order offence in Owlsmoor, which was part of a neighbourhood dispute.

A 19-year-old man was given an adult caution for the possession of cannabis.

Eight fixed penalty notices were issued for shoplifting from The Meadows, College Town. Also in Sandhurst in the last month a 15-year-old girl was charged with shoplifting and summoned to appear before court.

Terry Michael Bryant, aged 41, of Waverley Road, London, appeared before Reading Crown Court on 14 June charged with 10 offences in connection with three incidents involving teenage girls in Bracknell. He has been remanded in prison and will appear before Reading Crown Court on 13 August for a Plea and Case Management hearing.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a small fire to a fence panel in Cambridge Road, Owlsmoor. This occurred in the early hours of 14 July at approximately 2am. A plastic bottle and a rag were seized by officers in the alleyway where it occurred. The fire service extinguished the fire straight away. If you have any information regarding this incident or any others like it please contact the police on 0845 8 505 505 or call Crimestoppers anonymously. If you see anyone acting suspiciously or starting a fire please call 999 immediately.

Police assisted the fire brigade following a house fire on the Owlsmoor Road after 11pm on 4 July. Upon arrival of the emergency services a small fire had already been extinguished by the occupants. No injuries were sustained but the occupants were treated for shock. It is believed that a child had been playing with matches under the stairs of his home and a bag had caught fire.

On 9 July at approximately 9pm the engine of a stationary car caught fire on the Foresters Way A3095 Sandhurst Crowthorne by-pass. The fire spread to the nearby heath land and adjacent roads were closed for over an hour. The fire was not thought to be suspicious and no-one was injured.

Children enjoyed a visit from their local Police Community Support Officer at the Owlsmoor after-school club. The children, who range from 7-11 years, enjoyed a short talk about our role in the community, as children often see us outside their school. Activity and colouring sheets of the different departments that make up Thames Valley Police were given to the children along with ‘Have Your Say’ goodies i.e. pens and small gifts. The children also enjoyed looking around the police vehicle and operating the blue lights.

On 13 July I also visited Cherry Tree Nursery, as many of the children will be moving on to primary school shortly.

Parking in the local area is one of our neighbourhood priorities, which the Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) is working on. PCSOs from the neighbourhood team patrol the area, especially around the school dropping off and leaving times.

I would like to remind residents to park safely when dropping off or collecting children. Please do not park where you are obstructing the pavement. As a rule of thumb, where a double pushchair can’t get past it is classed as an unnecessary obstruction. Police and the schools have sent newsletters to parents to remind them of this, and we will issue fixed penalty notices for obstruction after giving a warning.

If you are dropping off your child at College Town Junior or Infant school remember that you can use the Sandhurst Sports Centre car park and walk your child through the Greenways. In the summer months the College Town schools do a walk to school scheme.

In the next month I will be targeting College Road and moving on to Branksome Hill Road issuing warnings and tickets, and speaking to residents/businesses/owners of vehicles to help improve the parking problems. Please call the non-emergency number (0845 8 505 505) and report any vehicles which are causing an obstruction.

With the summer holidays now under way there will be activities for young people run by Bracknell Forest Council’s Extended Services as part of the “Summer of Fun” programme.

Police will be showing an even more visible presence over this period, engaging with the young people and patrolling hotspots such as parks to combat anti-social behaviour.

Operation Lion Cub is proving to be successful over Friday and Saturday nights helping to reduce anti-social behaviour, providing faster response times to incidents and reassurance and confidence to the public. If you are affected by anti-social behaviour please contact your neighbourhood team and let us know.

A Thames Valley Police open day is being held on Saturday 4 September between 10am and 4pm, at the Thames Valley Police Training Centre in Sulhamstead, near Reading.The open day aims to promote greater understanding of the work of the various departments and specialist roles within the Force.

The public will have the opportunity to look around the Force Museum, which is packed with the history of Thames Valley Police, and get the chance to meet some of the officers from the Force’s specialist departments. Admission is £2.50 per adult and under 16s go free. No dogs, except guide dogs, are allowed on site. Parking at the site is limited and will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Disabled access is available. One of the main attractions of the day is the police helicopter which will be manned by the Chiltern Air Support Unit. The Roads Policing department will also be present with various vehicles. Also in attendance will be the mounted and dog sections. Displays will also be taking place throughout the day. For more information visit the Force website.

You can contact your local neighbourhood policing team through a number of methods, but our next “Have Your Say” public meeting will be held on Thursday 12 August from 3pm to 4pm at Waitrose in College Town, Sandhurst.

These meetings are an ideal opportunity for residents to speak to their neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs about any local issues. No appointment is necessary, just turn up. Further surgeries will be publicised locally and on the force website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk.

If you want any advice or would like to contact the neighbourhood team you can call us on the police non emergency number 0845 8 505505 or email (name of NH) NHPT@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk. Please note this email address cannot be used to contact Thames Valley Police to report crimes or for any urgent matters. Alternatively you can visit the force website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk to view information on your neighbourhood.

Community Messaging

This free service provides information to subscribers about crime and police activity in their area via phone or email. It also includes information on what we and our partner services are doing to bring offenders to justice or combat anti-social behaviour, and information on opportunities for local residents to raise concerns with their local policing teams.

Thames Valley Police ~ Owlsmoor

Here is the monthly neighbourhood update for Finchampstead and North Crowthorne from Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Andy Roberts:

Neighbourhood priorities

PC Tom Thomas has again been out in the area with the “speed gun” and a number of people were issued fixed penalty notices. PCSO Workman took our new Speed Indication Device (SID) machine out around the area of California Country Park on the Nine Mile Ride. Letters are being sent to motorists who exceed the limit, warning them that they can be prosecuted if their speed is caught on the speed gun.

Inconsiderate parking is still happening in the area and we warn drivers when we can locate them or in the case of obstruction we have been issuing fixed penalty notices.

Litter is an ongoing issue and we are working with the council to see if there are any long term ways to deal with this anti-social behaviour.

Crime information Finchampstead (March – May 09/10

The average number of crimes in this area has increased from 36 to 39 (8.3%)

The average number of ASB incidents in this area has decreased from 25.3 to 18.3 (27.6%)

The average number of violent crimes in this area has decreased from 8.3 to 6 (28%)

The average number of vehicle crimes in this area has increased from 5 to 6 (20%)

The average number of burglaries in this area has increased from 6 to 8.3 (38.9%)

Crime information Crowthorne North (March – May09/10)

The average number of crimes in the Crowthorne North area has decreased from 24 to 16.7 (30.6%)

The average number of burglaries in this area has decreased from 4 to 3.7 (8.3%)

The average number of vehicle crimes in this area has decreased from 2.7 to 2 (25%)

The average number of violent crimes in this area has decreased from 3.7 to 2.3 (36.4%)

The average number of ASB incidents in this area has decreased from 13 to 10.3 (20.5%)

As we approach the school holidays, the team are very aware of the impact and possible rise this can have on ASB in the area. Operation Lion Cub is still as fresh as ever and street briefings are held every Friday and Saturday evening at 6.30pm. For details of Lion Cub please see www.thamesvalley.police.uk/lioncub or talk to one of the team.

There have been a number of arrests and cautions this month including;

On 6 June at 12.20am an on-street caution was issued to an 18-year-old man from Nine Mile Ride for possession of cannabis.

On 26 June at 3.15am, a 24 year-old man from Tickenor Drive, Finchampstead, was issued with a fixed penalty notice for being drunk and disorderly on the Barkham Road.

NAG news

We are pleased that the NAG is now able to hold meetings at Nine Mile Ride School as well as Gorse Ride School. Thames Valley Police attend the Nag along with other agencies and local residents monthly, to discuss the priorities for the area. We have had students from the local schools attend to give their perspective on issues in the area and this has proved invaluable when dealing with youths and related problems of ASB.

Future meeting dates

The next Finchampstead Neighbourhood Action Group meeting is at 10.30am on Wednesday 14 July at Nine Mile ride school.

The next North Crowthorne and Wokingham without NAG is at 10.30am on Tuesday 13 July location to be confirmed.

Next month’s activities

We will be attending a number of street parties in the area on 18 July as part of the Big Lunch. This is an excellent way to get to know your neighbours and help lift community spirit.

How to get involved in NAG NHW

Neighbourhood watch is busy in the area and you can also be part of the community messaging system where you are sent emails detailing crime in your area and what to watch out for. The NAG is not an open meeting but we do welcome new members or invited guests who wish to discuss a particular topic or become part of the NAG.

Events and operations

We have been to a number of school summer fetes this month and child safety week (21 – 25) saw the PCSO’s attend schools in the area and talk about road safety and conduct bike marking.

We have been working hard during the national rogue trader week of action (28 June – 2 July). I was fortunate to have a film crew from ITV news come out with me for the day on patrol and they filmed as we spoke to a number of builders and gardeners. The purpose was to raise awareness to the sort of person who may charge extortionate amounts for very little or no work and also associated distraction crime. The message we are putting out is “NOT SURE? – DON’T OPEN THE DOOR” and to call 999 if you believe you are being subjected to any distraction crime or possible rogue trading.

If you wish to speak with any of the team please call 0845 8 505 505 and ask to be put through to us if we are on duty or leave a message.

Thames Valley Police ~ Crowthorne North