Bracknell

The community safety and neighbourhood policing teams in Bracknell are pulling out all the stops in November to help residents avoid becoming victims of burglary.

As part of this month’s Focus on Burglary, crime reduction advisers, Neighbourhood Watch coordinators, neighbourhood officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are working together to get crime reduction advice to as many people as possible across the borough.

After a burglary has occurred and been dealt with by Bracknell police officers, the crime reduction team steps in to provide additional support. Advisers send letters and a ‘Safer Homes’ pack of crime prevention material, not only to the victim but also to residents in the surrounding area. Householders are offered a free home security survey and the opportunity to join Neighbourhood Watch.

Bracknell Neighbourhood Watch coordinator Margaret Weber said: “We’ve had a spate of burglaries recently in the northern parishes, especially Winkfield, but I’m pleased to say there is now a very active Neighbourhood Watch scheme in the area. More than 50 people have signed up so far, with others joining all the time.

“Our neighbourhood officers and PCSOs have been busy giving out crime reduction advice in Winkfield, Binfield and Warfield. We have also placed advertisements in parish magazines and put up posters in public places such as council offices, advising residents on how to keep their property secure.”

PCSOs in Bracknell have recently received special training to enable them to carry out basic home security surveys and give crime prevention advice.

Crime reduction adviser John Oblein said: “Since October, we have been participating in ‘Hot Streets,’ an initiative run by the Berkshire Fire Service. Concentrating on one street at a time, the fire service goes house to house offering free fire safety surveys, while we offer home security surveys.

“Now that we have more staff trained to carry out home surveys, we can provide prompt and relevant crime reduction advice, as well as reassurance, to residents throughout Bracknell Forest.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell