Bracknell

Crime in Bracknell Forest fell by more than a fifth last year: a drop that translates into 1,177 fewer victims across the local police area.

Bracknell Forest saw the Thames Valley’s biggest percentage reduction in British Crime Survey (BCS) crimes, which account for over half of all crime and are those that matter most to the public.

BCS crimes, including domestic burglary, criminal damage, vehicle crime, robbery, wounding and common assault, were down by 20.4 per cent overall between 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2008, compared with 2006/07.

The most notable statistics included falls of 57.7 per cent in robberies of personal property; 42.7 per cent in vehicle interference; 41.2 per cent in theft from vehicles; 21.5 per cent in woundings (non-domestic); 17.6 per cent in theft from the person; and 17.4 per cent in criminal damage.

The 41.2 per cent decrease in theft from motor vehicles goes far beyond a Local Public Service Agreement target reduction of 30 per cent, agreed with the Government Office of the South East. By exceeding this target, Bracknell Forest will receive additional government funding for community safety initiatives.

Also, the police and their partner agencies have been working hard to encourage more victims of domestic common assaults to come forward. This has been reflected by an increase in reporting of 10.3 per cent, or 15 offences – the only BCS category to increase.

Ch Insp Simon Bowden, commander of Bracknell Forest local police area, said: “Our reduction in crime is the best in the Force. This significant achievement reflects a tremendous amount of effort by police and our partner agencies, with the strong support of the community as a whole.

“Neighbourhood policing has been running in our borough for more than two years. The hard work put in by my officers and staff, together with neighbourhood action groups (NAGs) and members of the public, is really making a difference.

“I would like to emphasise that the police are not the only people responsible for reducing crime in Bracknell Forest. We also have an excellent Community Safety Partnership with the Borough Council, and the active support of Borough, Town and Parish Councils.

“When you combine these with the NAGs, numerous Neighbourhood Watch schemes, as well as the efforts of many community organisations and dedicated individuals, it all adds up to a formidable crime-fighting force.”

Cllr Iain McCracken, Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Executive Member for Public Protection, said: "It is encouraging to see our close working relationship with Thames Valley Police is helping to cut crime across Bracknell Forest.

“Speaking for the authority, we are committed to continuing our support of the neighbourhood forums and action groups and have provided another means for our residents to identify local issues which really matter to them.

“With the Council, police and residents working together, I am confident we will see further reductions in crime in Bracknell Forest.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell