Twyford

Here is the latest Twyford / Ruscombe, Sonning / Charvil / Hurst and Wargrave / Remenham neighbourhood update from neighbourhood specialist officer PC Terry Neblett:

During September we unfortunately experienced some burglary in the area. The items taken are laptops, camcorders and other electrical items. There does not appear to be any particular pattern, and we would urge residents to be extra vigilant when leaving their home. Please do not leave keys in sight. Also consider using an ultra violet marker pen on your electrical items, noting your post code and house number. This makes identification of possible stolen items easier for police when these are seized during the course of an investigation.

We continue to offer crime prevention advice and conduct home security survey for the victims and their neighbours. Please contact any of the team if you wish a home security check to be carried out at your property.

There have also been a number of thefts of front and rear vehicle registration plates. This is occurring across the area, particularly Redingansians Rugby Club, East Park Farm, Hurst and Twyford Station. I understand that most number plates are now stuck on with an adhesive, as opposed to previously using screws. We have found that some of the stolen number plates are then used to obtain petrol without paying from service stations. We recommend you use tamper proof screw on your number plates – Screwfix and Mr Clutch in Reading are offering to provide and fit the screws until 22 October so we advise you take advantage of this offer.

PC Harrison from the neighbourhood team arrested a 38 year-old man and a 25 year-old man whilst on patrol in Wokingham. They were arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine on 5 September at the rear of the Buzz Bar night club. Both men are currently on police bail to 13 October.

PC Harrison also arrested a 34 year-old man and a 39 year-old man for criminal damage and public order offences from The Golden Cross public house in Twyford on 6 September. They are still helping police with the investigation and are currently on police bail to 24 October.

On 18 September a car parked in Pearson Road in Sonning was broken into by smashing one of its windows. A ladies handbag was taken. However, due to some good police work by response officers, a 36 year-old man was arrested for the theft. Enquiries are still ongoing, and he is on police bail until 9 October.

On 12 September criminal damage was caused to a house in Remenham, by smashing the glass panel in the front door. An 18 year-old man was arrested by the police officers who attended. He has been released on police bail unitl 11 October.

In last month’s report, we made mention of the anti-social behaviour (ASB) being experienced by the residents on the Pennfield estate. We continue to make high visibility patrols in the area. A quality of life day was held on 16 September at the youth centre in Twyford, in partnership with the Housing Officer and Youth services for the estate from Wokingham Borough Council. This gave the residents an opportunity to express their concerns. The session were held from 10am to midday, and from 2pm to 4pm. Unfortunately, the turn out from residents was low, but the facility is one worth repeating to highlight issues.

Across the seven parishes covered by the neighbourhood team, speeding is always an issue. Last month’s update focused forthcoming speed surveys using the speed indication device (SID). It is unfortunate that the planned speed operations for September were unable to proceed. However, these have been scheduled in for early and mid October, the results of which will be published next month. Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) Jackie Daniels and Anne Chalmers continue to monitor and deal as necessary with the issue of school parking. We continue to maintain high visible patrols around the car crime hotspots.

There have been no further reports of plant or pot theft from Braybroke Road Cemetery.

The Twyford pubwatch scheme is still flourishing having met on 10 September at The Wee Waif in Charvil. Three people have been banned from entering those pubs in the Pubwatch scheme due to their behaviour. The ban is for an indefinite period.

On 22 September the neighbourhood team held a street briefing for the residents of Thames Street, Sonning. These are great opportunities for the residents to meet the team. A further street briefing is scheduled for Wednesday 30 September in Victoria Road, Wargrave.

PC Neblett and PCSO Daniels recently met with Highways from Wokingham Borough Council in Wargrave. It was a site meeting for the renewal and possible extension of the double yellow lines in Victoria Road at its junction with School Hill. We also looked at the possibility of implementing double yellow lines in Autumn Walk at its junction with School Lane. There is a road safety issue at both locations which the team will continue to monitor.

On 23 September PCSO Chalmers, in partnership with Wokingham Borough Council, conducted an Environmental Visual Audit (EVA) around the Charvil Lakes area. It highlighted the amount of rubbish left in the area. A planned clean up operation hopefully involving the residents is in the pipeline.

Sonning, Charvil and Hurst Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) met on 16 September. Wargrave, Twyford, Ruscombe and Remenham NAG met on 24 September. As with the start of a new school year, both groups have decided to re-commence with public consultation for the three top concerns affecting residents in their particular area. This is a large undertaking still in its early stages. However, if you would like to help or in fact be considered for membership of either group, please contact the Twyford Neighbourhood Team. We will keep you updated of all progress.

On 9 October PCSO Daniels, PCSO Chalmers and the Community Wardens from Wokingham Council will be meeting residents at Twyford Day Centre to hear their concerns.

Halloween night will be upon us on 31 October. The team will be distributing leaflets for those not wanting to take part in the traditional trick or treat. We would ask everyone to respect individuals’ wishes.

Waitrose in London Road Twyford have banned a local youth for disruptive behaviour in the store. The ban encompasses Waitrose stores nationwide.

Future Dates

Wargrave Police Surgery

Friday 16 October at Wargrave Pavilion between 10am and midday

Neighbourhood Action Group

Sonning Charvil and Hurst 14 October 10am at St. Nicholas School Hurst.

Street briefings

Saturday 31 October at 11am for the Hawthorns area in Charvil.

You can contact your neighbourhood policing team by calling 0845 8 505 505 or by visiting www.thamesvalley.police.uk and following the neighbourhood policing links.

Thames Valley Police ~ Twyford