More than 1,300 arrests made across Thames Valley in summer

Police officers (stock photo) <i>(Image: Danny Lawson / PA)</i>
Police officers (stock photo) (Image: Danny Lawson / PA)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

More than 1,300 arrests were made across the Thames Valley in the summer in a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Thames Valley Police said it increased police officers’ presence and worked closely with partners to tackle urban crime June 30 until September 30 for the national Safer Streets Summer campaign.

Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt, who is responsible for local policing, said: "This summer, we've been doubling down on our constant efforts to tackle the crimes that blight our town and city centres, from anti-social behaviour to shoplifting.

READ MORE: Man named and charged with attempted murder and possession of knife

“Every community deserves to feel safe, no matter where you live, so we have been building relationships, listening to local concerns and being where it matters most.

“Together with our partners, we are making town and city centres safer and make a lasting difference to communities by fighting crime and supporting victims.”

The police force made 1,330 arrests in the 30 town and city centres that are part of its hotspot policing areas, for offences including shoplifting, robbery, and theft from a person.

Officers made 30% per cent more arrests for shoplifting in the hotspots than for the same period last year.

The police force's investigators also secured 95 positive outcomes for retail crime, 25 for anti-social behaviour, and four for street crime, including charges, out-of-court disposals and community resolutions.

The teams conducted more than 4,500 patrol activities in the hotspots, which includes e-scooter and anti-social behaviour operations, Project Servator deployments, and visible patrols.

Meanwhile, theft reports decreased during the summer of action due to increased police presence within the town and city centres.

The force's officers and staff also completed nearly 4,300 community and business engagements, such as meetings, roadshows, forums, visits and more to share crime prevention advice and support victims.

It also enforced numerous Public Spaces Protection Orders as well as worked to tackle other local issues, alongside our partners.

The police force said one example of its work was the recovery of around £21,500-worth of stolen goods and cash in Reading in July.

Police officers worked with Reading’s Business Improvement Districts (BID) Wardens to find where shoplifters were stashing their hauls, including numerous stolen sunglasses, cosmetics, and clothing.

READ MORE: Road in Oxfordshire town centre to shut for four days

ACC Bunt added: “We are proud of the breadth work we have achieved this summer while managing numerous significant operations and incidents, as well as business as usual.

“However, we are always seeking to improve so tell us what matters to you – your concerns drive our priorities for making town and city centres in the Thames Valley safer.”

A Winter of Action will take place from December 1 to January 31 to 'address seasonal challenges in our town and city centres'.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos