Your neighbourhood 

Whitley South neighbourhood update

Update for December

Here is the latest update for the South Reading neighbourhoods from Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Stacey Bancroft:

The South Reading neighbourhood police team has been in place for just over a year now and overall crime in the area has dropped by 1.4 per cent year on year.

In the Whitley Street area the number of reported theft from motor vehicles has dropped from 99 recorded offences to 74. A decrease has also been seen in Whitley Wood (67 down to 48) and in Whitley West (62 down to 43). Whitley Street has also had a decline in the number of reported burglary non-dwellings, with 39 offences down to 17.

The introduction of the neighbourhood and increased presence of police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in the area has helped to reduce these figures. The team has also undertaken a number of operations to target theft from vehicles including the use of trap cars and high visibility patrols on Reading Football Club match days when there are an increased number of vehicles in the area which could be targeted. Crime prevention advice has been given to the owners of vehicles displaying items that could be stolen.

In North Whitley two drugs warrants were executed simultaneously at two addresses in Tavistock Road, Reading on November 3. During the search of the addresses crack cocaine and bags of cannabis was found. A 36-year-old woman was arrested for possession of a Class A and Class C drug with intent to supply. She has been released on bail to return to Reading police station on December 29.

The team also executed another warrant at an address in Frensham Green, Reading in the early hours of November 11. A considerable amount of cannabis, with a suspected street value of approximately £500, was found in the flat, along with several deal bags of suspected Class A drugs.

An 18-year-old man and 29 year-old-man were arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and Class C drugs with intent to supply. They have both been bailed to return to Reading police station on January 12.

PCSO Rebecca Wrigley is trying to set up a new police surgery venue for residents of Whitley North. She is currently liaising with Reading Borough Council and is hoping to have somewhere in the near future at 125 Basingstoke Road. The police surgeries are the ideal opportunity for members of the community to come meet and speak to a member of their neighbourhood team.

In South Whitley extensive patrols have been carried out by the team in the Kingsley Close area following some reports of anti-social behaviour. PCs Ben Beasley and Tim Sturgess are currently investigating reports of damage to vehicles in this area and are keen to speak to anyone with any information in relation to this.

The team have also recently gained a new member, PCSO Jo Woolven. Jo is going to be covering Whitley South alongside PCSO Tom Pickard. Jo is keen to meet members of the community and find out any local issues.

In Katesgrove, officers were tipped off about a suspect address in Waldeck Street. Residents were concerned about an unusual smell emanating from the address and following enquiries made by myself and PC Richard Noone it was established that the address was in fact a cannabis factory. A yield of approximately 500 plants in varies stages of growth were seized and destroyed.

There has been a slight increase in burglaries in the past week around Southampton Street and the surrounding roads. I would urge residents to ensure that their properties are properly secured day and night. Front doors should be double locked and the key removed from the lock. Take keys up to bed with you and be vigilant to any suspicious people. With Christmas approaching there is extra temptation to a potential thief, so make sure you stay safe and secure and can have a Happy Christmas.

If you are concerned or would like some security and crime prevention advice please call me on 0845 8 505 505 to arrange for a PCSO to come and conduct a free home survey.