Kentwood and Tilehurst

We are aware of a recent increase in theft offences in the Tilehurst area, particularly involving incidents of shoplifting and robberies in and around the Triangle. These offences have impacted several local stores and raised concerns among business owners, staff, and residents

We are taking decisive action to address retail theft and improve safety across the neighbourhood. Working closely with local businesses, we have implemented a multi-pronged approach that includes:
- Targeted enforcement: Suspects involved in prolific shoplifting have been identified, arrested, and presented before the courts. Several individuals have been remanded in custody and will face store bans upon release.
- Visible policing: Regular patrols are conducted during peak hours to deter criminal activity and reassure the public.
- Business collaboration: We are partnering with retailers to reduce theft through shared intelligence, coordinated responses, and tailored crime prevention advice.
- Technology-driven solutions: The rollout of CCTV systems is underway to enhance surveillance and support investigations.
Officers are carrying out targeted patrols in order to deter and disrupt offences. A number of shoplifters have been arrested and charged with offences.

We’re seeing a rise in anti-social behaviour involving e-bike misuse along Rodway Road and McIlroy park, mainly linked to youth groups, with growing concerns around suspected drug-related activity. This is not only antisocial but dangerous for users of the pavements and parks.

The Neighbourhood Team is actively responding to community concerns through a coordinated approach that combines high-visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and meaningful engagement with residents.
Key actions include:
• Visible policing: Officers are conducting regular high-visibility patrols in hotspot areas to provide reassurance, deter anti-social behaviour, and disrupt criminal activity.
• Targeted operations: Intelligence-led initiatives are underway to identify and apprehend individuals responsible for persistent issues affecting the community.
• Community engagement: The team maintains strong links with local residents, listening to concerns and sharing updates through meetings, forums, and outreach events.
These efforts reflect our commitment to building safer, stronger neighbourhoods where residents feel protected and supported.
A number of suspects have been identified and dealt with including referrals to support agencies and targeted work with youth justice. The team have seized a large number of illegal ebikes which have been destroyed.

We are receiving an increasing number of reports in relation to drug dealing on the Lyndhurst Road Estate and surrounding streets and alleyways. There are also increasing reports of groups of youths gathering, being noisy and using NOS.

The NH policing team have increased patrols in the area and have a number of operations planned in order to disrupt the behaviour. We are working with the council in order to identify and deal with those involved.
We are increasing patrols and have a number of days of action plan to address the issues.