Crowthorne and Sandhurst

Here is the January/February neighbourhood update for Owlsmoor and College Town.

As you are all aware, 2010 has begun with some very wintry weather. This has meant schools have been closed, roads have been treacherous and many shops unable to open. There were quite a few reports of anti-social behaviour around the area involving snowballs being thrown. These were dealt with as quickly as possible and patrols carried out, so that the problem was minimised and local people were able to enjoy themselves in the snow.

We have tried our utmost to keep business ticking over as usual. Our neighbourhood team actually had additional officers and staff on duty, as some people came here when they were not able to report to their usual place of work in Thames Valley. Our team carried out foot patrols wherever possible, showing a highly visible presence and providing help where needed. We contacted vulnerable members of the public and gave reassurance wherever possible. It was heartening to see community groups rallying round and supporting the police and local authorities during the difficult weather conditions.

There was a burglary in the Owlsmoor area at the beginning of January, which has resulted in two arrests being made. This is an opportunity again to remind residents of Owlsmoor and College Town to double lock your front doors and close any windows to ensure your property is secure.

PCSO Alastair Willcocks was very busy at The Meadows during the Christmas and New Year period helping to prevent shoplifting and other crimes over this busy time. He has also been making members of public aware of the ‘Clear Car Campaign’ we are running. This is a chance for us to give advice to vehicle owners about leaving valuables on display. Remember it takes 32 seconds for an opportunist thief to smash and grab your valuables!

Rookwood Avenue in Owlsmoor has experienced a small amount of criminal damage. Several young persons were arrested and have been dealt with using a restorative justice approach; PC Alex Hillan has been dealing with this.

A police office at Tesco’s in The Meadows has recently been opened for our neighbourhood team to work from. This will increase the police presence in the store and hopefully reduce crimes such as shoplifting.

Traffic officers and local neighbourhood officers conducted a speed enforcement operation on 15 December in College Road, Owlsmoor. One ticket was issued to a local resident for speeding offences.

The next beat surgery will be held on 9 March from 11am to 12pm in Waitrose, College Town.

If you would like to speak to your neighbourhood team or to report a crime, please contact Thames Valley Police on their non-emergency phone number: 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Owlsmoor

Here is the January/February neighbourhood update for Sandhurst and Little Sandhurst.

Happy new year to all residents in Sandhurst and Little Sandhurst.

This year we welcome back PCSO Rebecca Swann to the Sandhurst neighbourhood team. PCSO Swann will be working part time in the Sandhurst and Little Sandhurst area.

As you are all aware, 2010 has begun with some very wintry weather. This has meant Sandhurst schools have been closed, roads have been treacherous and many shops unable to open. There were quite a few reports of anti-social behaviour around the area involving snowballs being thrown. These were dealt with as quickly as possible and patrols carried out, so that the problem was minimised and local people were able to enjoy themselves in the snow.

There was a loose horse running along the High Street in Sandhurst at the beginning of the month. The horse was led into St Michael's C of E School playing fields as a temporary measure; however the owner has not come to light as yet. We are very grateful to St Michael’s School for putting up with the horse in the field, and also very grateful to Trilakes and the local pet shops for supplying us with hay and the neighbours for supplying water. The horse has now been moved and is waiting to be rehomed.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after an armed robbery at the Newsboy post office in High Street, Sandhurst, on Tuesday 29 December.

Anyone who witnessed the robbery or saw anything suspicious is asked to contact Det Con Dave King via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

We have had a couple of criminal damage incidents in Sandhurst this month. One has involved possibly a catapult and lead weights; the other was damage caused to a wing mirror. Anyone with information on this, please let us know on the numbers above.

Anti-social behaviour in Sandhurst is still low, which has been a brilliant start to the year. Many youngsters congregated on the recreation ground to build snowmen and play with friends. The Coffee Spot is still running on a Wednesday evening from 7.30pm; we encourage any young people in the area to come along as it’s a great place to make new contacts and there is a variety of activities.

As the cold weather looks set to stay, if you have any elderly or infirm residents along your road please visit them regularly, as this weather can limit how much they can go out.

PCSO Byrne is holding the next beat surgery on 10 March, outside the Daycentre Charity Shop on York Town Road, Sandhurst from 12pm to 1pm.

If you would like to contact your neighbourhood team or want to report a crime, please contact Thames Valley Police on their non emergency phone number: 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Sandhurst

Here is the January/February neighbourhood update for Crowthorne.

As you are all aware, 2010 has begun with some very wintry weather. This has meant Crowthorne schools have been closed, roads have been treacherous and many shops unable to open. There were quite a few reports of anti-social behaviour around the area involving snowballs being thrown. These were dealt with as quickly as possible and patrols carried out, so that the problem was minimised and local people were able to enjoy themselves in the snow.

We have tried our utmost to keep business ticking over as usual. Our Crowthorne neighbourhood team actually had additional officers and staff on duty, as some people came here when they were not able to report to their usual place of work in Thames Valley. Our team carried out foot patrols wherever possible, showing a highly visible presence and providing help where needed. We contacted vulnerable members of the public and gave reassurance wherever possible. It was heartening to see community groups rallying round and supporting the police and local authorities during the difficult weather conditions.

Anti-social behaviour in Crowthorne is still low, which has been a brilliant start to the year. Many youngsters congregated on the recreation ground to build snowmen and play with friends.

The Crowthorne Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) meeting held on 8 December went well and we discussed what has been achieved so far with the neighbourhood priorities. PCSO Katherine Bullen will be holding the next beat surgery on 4 March at Crowthorne Library from 11am to 12pm.

We have been promoting the ‘Clear Car Campaign’ extensively this month. Crowthorne PCSO Bullen has been giving advice to car owners about leaving valuables on display. Remember it takes 32 seconds for an opportunist thief to break in and grab your belongings. Unfortunately there was a vehicle break-in just before Christmas on Upper Broadmoor Road, when expensive items were taken. Thankfully, police managed to retrieve the stolen items and suspects were arrested for this crime.

If you would like to contact your neighbourhood team or to report a crime, please contact Thames Valley Police on their non-emergency phone number: 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Crowthorne

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

Drugs are a cause for concern throughout the Wokingham area and, once again, excellent cooperation between the Finchampstead and North Crowthorne team and with the assistance of other neighbourhood officers led to a number of arrests.

Three people were arrested for possession with intent to supply drugs and cultivation of cannabis following a warrant executed on 29 January under the misuse of drugs act and cannabis plants as well as other substances were found. A 28-year-old woman, a 24-year old man and a 30-year-old man have been released on bail until 5 March. All three are from Finchampstead.

After a lull over the Christmas period, during which there was a dramatic reduction in thefts from motor vehicles as well as damage, Crowthorne offences are once again on the rise. We encourage car owners to remain vigilant, completely clear all vehicles of any property, no matter how insignificant, and park whenever possible in well lit areas.

During the period of January to March, we generally see a drop in overall Crowthorne crime, and the recent cold weather should help reduce it further. However, remain vigilant, submit information about suspicious activity to your neighbourhood team whenever possible (via the non-emergency number: 0845 8 505 505) and dial ‘999’ if you suspect a crime in progress. The average number of crimes in this area has decreased from 50.7 to 41.7 (17.8%) in relation to the same three month period last year.

As ever we need more Crowthorne intelligence; if someone is causing problems in your community by taking or selling illegal drugs, tell us or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers (0800 555 111). Drugs are inextricably linked to anti-social behaviour, and one of the best ways for us to tackle acquisitive crime, such as burglary and theft of vehicles, and youth disorder is to reduce the supply of drugs.

The three main priorities for the area are keeping us busy with road speed checks, increased high visibility patrols to combat ASB and the Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) is also working hard organising this years annual litter pick on the weekend of 20-21 March with more details to follow.

Our next NAG meeting is at Gorse Ride school on 10 February 9.30am-12.30pm where we will also be meeting with some students from local schools to discuss issues they have in the area and also to get the perspective on ASB and crime.

Crowthorne Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) Tony Smith, Ben Workman and Graham Edwards continue to patrol the area reguarly, using up-to-date crime analysis and information from residents, Wokingham Borough community wardens and housing departments to target crime and ASB hotspots. The team led operation oion cub in the Bigshotte Park area over the first weekend in February following concerns of an increase in anti-social drinking by young people near the pavillion. Alcohol has been siezed from young people and letters sent to their parents informing them.

We urge everyone to sign up to the Thames Valley community messaging system to get information about crime in your neighbourhood from Thames Valley Police direct to your mailbox or telephone. You can do this by simply logging onto www.tvpcommunitymessaging.org

For more information about your local neighbourhood team, visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk or to speak to an officer call 0845 8 505 505

Thames Valley Police ~ Crowthorne

More than 50 book lovers were thrilled when best-selling author Simon Kernick stopped by Sandhurst Library to share extracts from his new novel.

Mr Kernick, one of the country's biggest selling thriller writers, indulged Sandhurst fans by reading passages from his new book The Last 10 Seconds - about a man, woman and sadistic killer.

He also answered questions from members of the public during his visit to the library in The Broadway on Tuesday evening (January 26).

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for Sandhurst culture, said: "I'm pleased that so many people took advantage of Simon Kernick's visit and enjoyed his reading on Tuesday.

"Our author visits are always very popular, so keep an eye out for future events. Each year our libraries organise more than 2,000 different events, from author visits to reading groups and from children's story times to creative writing workshops."

Bracknell Forest Council ~ Sandhurst

Fitness bods will be able to pump the iron and pound the treadmills at Crowthorne Edgbarrow Sports Centre later this spring - as work to restore the centre goes full steam ahead this month.

The Crowthorne centre was closed on December 23, 2009, after a fire ripped through the boiler room. Repair work has been ongoing since the fire, but contractors confirmed this week the centre is unlikely to fully re-open until April.

Until the work is complete, the arrangement for all Edgbarrow gym users will be to continue to use the fitness centre at Sandhurst Sports Centre on a casual basis. All annual and direct debit members can access certain facilities at Bracknell Leisure Centre instead.

Staff have been contacting residents who had booked children's parties at Edgbarrow Sports Centre. If residents wish to speak to a member of staff about a planned party at the centre they should call Sandhurst Sports Centre on 01344 778836. The centre will also be able to offer information about alternative sports activities and venues.

Sandhurst Sports Centre is open as usual, its opening times are:

* Monday to Friday from 5.30pm to 11pm and weekends from 9.30am to 6.30pm.

Further details about the re-opening of Edgbarrow Sports Centre will be published on the Bracknell Forest Council website as they become available or residents can call the customer contact centre on 01344 352000.

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for Crowthorne leisure, said: "I apologise to residents and regular customers for any inconvenience this closure may cause. Unfortunately, the fire made the building unsafe to use and so, until it is safe to use again, alternative arrangements will be in place.

"I'd like to thank everyone for their continued patience while this work is ongoing and look forward to seeing the centre back up and running in the spring."

Bracknell Forest Council ~ Crowthorne

Our Lady’s Preparatory School in Crowthorne is holding a fundraising Ladies Fashion Show event on Wednesday 24th February with a % of profits going to the Haiti Appeal. Everybody is welcome, but tickets are limited and cost £5, including a complimentary drink.

Those attending the fashion show can expect to receive up to 50% off end of line Ladies & children top high street brands such as Next, Gap, M&S (including Per Una), Debenhams, Monsoon and Adams to name a few.

The event is being held at Our Lady’s Preparatory School, The Avenue in Crowthorne. Doors open at 7.15pm with the show commencing at 7.30pm prompt. Those wishing to purchase tickets or requiring further information should visit or call the school office on 01344 773394.

Our Lady’s Preparatory School, The Avenue, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 6PB

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after an armed robbery at a post office in High Street, Sandhurst, on Tuesday 29 December.

At about 6.30am, a man in a dark, older style saloon car, pulled up outside Newsboy, Sandhurst. He got out, went into the post office and pointed what is believed to be a handgun at members of staff, demanding money. He took cash from the till before leaving and driving off in the direction of Wokingham.

The man is aged between 18 and 20, 5ft 7ins and of medium build. He has brown eyes, spoke with a local accent and was wearing a black jacket, black trousers and a black scarf covering his face.

Anyone who witnessed the robbery or saw anything suspicious is asked to contact Sandhurst Det Con Dave King via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Sandhurst

Edgbarrow Sports Centre in Crowthorne is closed following a fire in the early hours of Wednesday (December 23) morning.

The blaze started in the boiler room, next to the Crowthorne reception area. No one was hurt and an investigation has begun to find the cause.

The centre will be closed until after the Christmas and new year period. We apologise for any inconvenience.

All Edgbarrow gym users can use the fitness centre at Sandhurst Sports Centre on a casual basis. All annual and direct debit members can use the facilities at the Bracknell Leisure Centre.

The family pantomime, Aladdin, due to be performed on Thursday, December 31, will now go ahead in the Edgbarrow School hall, Crowthorne at 1.30pm. For tickets or further information contact Sandhurst Sports Centre on 01344 778836.

Customers are advised to phone the customer contact centre on 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Council ~ Crowthorne

Thames Valley, Surrey and Hampshire combined Sandhurst forces for two evenings last week as part of Operation Trilogy 3.

The operation, which took place on Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 December, was aimed at targeting criminals crossing force boundaries in the Sandhurst, Camberley and Blackwater areas.

Roads policing officers, supported by officers from the Sandhurst neighbourhood teams, deployed a variety of tactics during the operation, which was focussed on preventing vehicle crime and burglary.

188 vehicles were stopped as part of the operation

* Two people were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences
* One person was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs
* One person was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply
* One person was arrested on suspicion of theft
* Over £1,000 of drugs were seized
* 74 people were breathalysed as part of the Christmas Drink Drive campaign.
* 13 vehicles were seized for being driven by unlicensed or uninsured drivers
* A number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were issued to motorists for traffic offences

Sergeant Steve Madoc-Jones, from the Thames Valley Police Pro-active Team, said: “This operation was a great example of officers from three forces working together to target criminals who use the road network, and in particular those looking to exploit police force boundaries.

“It was promising to see that of the people breathalysed as part of the Christmas Drink Drive campaign, none of them were over the legal limit.

“During the two evenings we received some positive feedback from local people, who were pleased to see us out in force and were particularly supportive given the poor weather conditions.

“Our teams will continue to work in the future with neighbouring forces to help tackle criminals using the road network.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Sandhurst