Crowthorne and Sandhurst

“I would like to introduce myself as the new neighbourhood officer for Crowthorne. I took up the post in June 2007 and work alongside PCSO Ivana Houska.

“Ivana has excellent local knowledge of Crowthorne and she has helped me to familiarise myself quickly with the village. In fact, I already know the Bracknell Forest area well, having worked here since I joined Thames Valley Police in 2000. Initially, I worked as a reactive shift officer, and for the past four years I have been a member of the Domestic Violence Unit based in Bracknell and Maidenhead. I’m currently working part-time, as I have two children under four years old.

“The main priority for the neighbourhood policing team in Crowthorne is anti-social behaviour by young people, particularly disorder linked to underage drinking.

“My colleagues and I are running Operation Lion Cub at weekends throughout the summer months. This initiative targets anti-social behaviour ‘hotspots’, such as the Morgan recreation ground in Crowthorne. Neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs carry out high visibility patrols on Friday and Saturday nights, actively looking for youngsters who may be causing problems and seizing alcohol from under 18s.

“The key to this operation’s success is involvement by local residents. Volunteers are notified when police are patrolling their area, and given officers’ mobile phone numbers so they can call them directly to report when and where anti-social behaviour is happening. If you would like to join this scheme, please contact me via 0845 8 505 505 for more information.

“As well as enforcement, my colleagues and I are focusing on preventing anti-social behaviour by encouraging constructive activities. In Crowthorne, PCSO Houska has set up a cinema night; in Sandhurst, PC Amanda Price is planning a weekly Boxercise class, and we are looking at other ideas to provide entertainment for local youngsters.

“We’ve had tremendous support from various local organisations and businesses for these initiatives, which is much appreciated by all of us in the neighbourhood policing team.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Crowthorne