Bracknell

Eighteen people have been arrested and a number of warrants executed across Bracknell Forest today (26/7), as part of the police commitment to make the area safer and crime-free.

Bracknell Officers from the Operation Falcon and neighbourhood teams executed four search warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act during the early hours of the morning, resulting in three arrests. In addition to these warrants and arrests, several other people have been taken into police custody in connection with various other offences.

The pre-planned operation, based predominantly on police and community intelligence, involved more than 70 officers and police staff from across Berkshire East BCU, including a number from specialist departments. Following a briefing led by senior officers at 6am, they took to the streets of Bracknell Forest as part of the high visibility policing operation.

A/Ch Insp Simon Bowden, LPA Commander for Bracknell Forest, said: “Early indications are that today’s operation has been very successful in terms of arresting people suspected of either committing or being involved in crimes which have a significant impact on our communities.

“The response from local people has been heart-warming. At the scene of one warrant, residents came up and shook the hands of our officers. It is clear that high visibility operations such as this make a difference to the community and send out a message that we will not tolerate drug-related and other criminal activities in Bracknell Forest.

“A number of warrants executed and arrests made were a result of community intelligence received and I would like to thank residents for that information. Without their continued help we would not be able to plan operations such as this and I would ask that they continue to support us. Information can be passed to police by the non-emergency Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505, or if you would prefer to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

He added: “Today’s action is the first of what is expected to be several similar operations – so anyone involved in crime in Bracknell Forest should watch their backs!”

Supt David Poole, Bracknell officer in overall charge of the today’s operation, said: “I would like to thank everyone involved in today’s operation for their hard work, commitment and professionalism.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell