Southcote and Norcot

There has been a noticeable rise in theft offences targeting local businesses, particularly retail stores on the Bath Road in Southcote. Business owners and staff have reported feeling intimidated, with some incidents involving threats of violence. This trend is affecting livelihoods and eroding the sense of safety across the wider community.
Key Concerns:
• Repeated thefts from retail premises, often involving known offenders
• Intimidation and threatening behaviour towards staff and customers
• Declining business confidence and reduced footfall in affected areas
This issue is being prioritised for enforcement and community safety interventions in collaboration with local stakeholders.

In response to rising theft and intimidation affecting local businesses, the Neighbourhood Team has implemented a coordinated strategy to disrupt criminal activity and support the business community. Key actions include:
• Targeted enforcement: A dedicated day of action resulted in multiple arrests, including a prolific shoplifter now charged with several offences and banned from affected stores.
• Business engagement: Officers have met with local retailers to provide reassurance, strengthen partnerships, and establish clear reporting channels.
• Intelligence-led policing: Investigations are actively targeting individuals and organised groups believed to be behind coordinated retail theft and intimidation.
• Disruption of criminal networks: Significant quantities of Class A and B drugs, cash, and weapons have been seized. Illegal electric bikes and motorbikes linked to criminal activity have also been confiscated and destroyed.
• Tenancy enforcement: Police are working closely with Reading Borough Council to address tenancy issues involving those connected to criminal behaviour.
These actions reflect a robust, multi-agency approach to tackling retail crime, protecting local businesses, and dismantling wider gang-related operations affecting the community.
Officers are working closely with the stores in order to empower the staff and gather best evidence. A number of prolific offenders have been arrested and charged with offences.

Local residents have raised ongoing concerns about suspected drug dealing in Southcote, particularly concentrated around Coronation Square and the surrounding alleyways. The area has experienced a high volume of individuals coming and going, resulting in significant disruption and distress to the community

In response to reports of drug dealing and associated nuisance behaviour in Southcote and Prospect Park, the Neighbourhood Team has implemented a series of robust enforcement measures aimed at restoring safety and community confidence:
• Arrests and investigations: Multiple individuals have been arrested in connection with drug offences. Investigations are ongoing, and the area remains a priority for regular police patrols.
• Seizures of illegal substances: Significant quantities of Class A and B drugs have been recovered, alongside cash and weapons linked to criminal activity.
• Vehicle enforcement: Illegal electric bikes and motorbikes have been seized and destroyed to disrupt offender mobility and reduce anti-social behaviour.
• Tenancy interventions: Police are working in partnership with Reading Borough Council to address tenancy-related concerns and take appropriate action against those involved.
These actions reflect a coordinated and proactive approach to tackling serious crime and protecting public spaces for residents and park users.
The local team have executed a number of warrants at local addresses. They are also working with the council to enforce closure orders on addresses involved in Drug dealing and ASB.
We have had a number of action days in the area involving the off road police bikes and horses.

There has been a rise in reports of illegal e-bikes and scrambler bikes being ridden at high speeds through the Dee Road area. These vehicles are frequently used on footpaths and narrow alleyways, posing serious risks to pedestrians and other road users.
Key Concerns:
• High-speed riding in pedestrian zones, creating safety hazards
• Use of footpaths and alleyways not designed for motorised vehicles
• Heightened fear and frustration among residents, especially vulnerable pedestrians
This issue is being prioritised for enforcement and community safety action to protect public spaces and reduce the risk of harm.

To address the dangerous use of illegal e-bikes and scrambler bikes in the Dee Road area, the Neighbourhood Team has taken decisive action to improve safety and reduce disruption:
• Vehicle seizures: Over twenty illegal scrambler bikes and e-bikes have been seized. Enforcement efforts are ongoing, with officers taking robust action against those involved.
• Partnership working: We are collaborating with Reading Borough Council and Peabody to manage residents whose behaviour is causing a nuisance to the wider community.
• Target hardening: High-risk alleyways are being identified in partnership with the council, with measures being explored to make these areas safer and less accessible to illegal riders.
• Community reporting: Residents will be contacted directly and encouraged to report concerns anonymously, helping build a clearer picture of the issue and guide future interventions.
These efforts reflect a proactive and coordinated approach to restoring confidence and protecting public spaces in the Dee Road area.
The NH team are working closely with RBC in order to deal with the long term problems that are impacting the community.