Bracknell

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after copper panels were stolen from a church roof in Bracknell.

Between 9pm on 3 February and 8am on 4 February, thieves stole several copper panels from the roof of St Margaret Clitherow Roman Catholic Church in Ringmead, Hanworth, Bracknell.

Copper sheeting has been stolen from the Bracknell church roof on five previous occasions since May 2009.

PC Steve Mitchell, Bracknell neighbourhood officer for Birch Hill and Hanworth, said: “The thefts have resulted in considerable damage to the roof and water is now leaking inside the building. This has caused difficulties in using the church for services.

“The parishioners, many of whom are elderly, are naturally very upset by the damage and disruption.

“I am appealing for the community to be vigilant, especially in the hours of darkness, and to report any vehicles seen in the car park or people behaving suspiciously in the area.

“The church is on quite a busy road, so passing motorists may have noticed unusual activity or vehicles parked nearby at night time.”

If you saw anything suspicious, or have any other information about the Bracknell thefts, please contact PC Steve Mitchell on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Forest Council's executive member for transport announced additional funding for repairing the borough's roads on Wednesday evening after numerous potholes appeared the big freeze.

Council members ratified the announcement so £100,000 of extra funding can now be ploughed into restoring Bracknell roads, which have become bumpy and potholed as a result of December and January's snow and ice.

The Bracknell council's highways team and its contractors have been working non-stop to fill in as many potholes as possible since the snow melted, but extra cash is needed to bring roads back up to their usual standard.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, executive member for Bracknell transport, said: "Now the snow and ice has thawed we have been left with an unprecedented number of potholes on the borough's roads. The bad weather has really attacked the tarmac and so we need to get them back on track as soon as possible.

"The council's highways team and its contractors have been working flat-out to cope with the demand for filling in the potholes, but they obviously need the money and resources to do the work properly, which is why I announced a further £100,000 for repair work on Wednesday."

The roads have been impacted by snow and ice freezing in small crevices in the surface, which has expanded cracks as the snow and ice has melted. This has left much bigger and more noticeable holes in the road.

The problem has been replicated across the country and like Bracknell Forest Council, many other local authorities have started an extensive patch and repair programme for roads.

Further cash could be made available at a later date if it is needed to cope with the demand and if the council's budgets and resources allow.

Bracknell Forest Council

Jocks Lane Recreation Ground, Off Binfield Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 2BH 11am to 2pm
£2 admission per person
£7 for a family ticket* (up to 4 people) Under 18 months free

*Family tickets only available in advance.

A fun Bracknell day out for pre-school children, come with your Pre-school, Nursery, Parent and Toddler group or with friends. The following attractions are Free - bouncy castles, circus workshops, pet's corner and puppet shows.
There will be a small charge for face painting.

Tickets are available from the following locations:

The Oaks Children's Centre - Wordsworth, Bracknell RG12 8QN The Rowans Children's Centre - Pondmoor Road, Bracknell RG12 7JZ The Children's Information Centre - 49 Broadway, Bracknell RG12 1BB The Alders Children's Centre - Branksome Hill Road, Sandhurst GU47 0QE Jocks Lane Recreation Ground Café - Binfield Road, Bracknell RG12 2BH

Group tickets for Pre-schools, Nurseries or Parent and Toddler groups can be purchased from Bracknell Forest Pre-school Learning Alliance Office on 01344
305613

Rachel Clayton
Branch Administrator
Bracknell Forest Sub-Committee
Pre-School Learning Alliance

A 23-year-old Bracknell man has been fined a total of £1,035 for handling stolen goods.

Lee Nicholls, of Agar Crescent, Bracknell, stood trial at Bracknell Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (28/1) charged with handling (receiving) stolen goods – namely four smart car wheels worth £1,000.

He was found guilty of the offence and fined by the judge.

Nicholls was arrested by officers on the 20 August 2009, after information on his face book account revealed how he was driving around Bracknell with a new set of wheels he had purchased at a cheaper rate. The information also disclosed how another car was without its wheels.

As part of the police’s inquiry, Nicholl’s car was seized and the wheels were recovered.

During police interview, Nicholls admitted buying the wheels at a discounted rate of £500 from someone he described as being ‘dodgy’.

When questioned about his face book comments, the Bracknell 30-year-old claimed that his comments were only a joke.

Nicholls pleaded not guilty to handling stolen goods. However, he was found guilty after electing to stand trial last week.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

A messy play time greeted Bracknell tots at The Look Out Discovery Centre last week during the ever-popular Toddler Days which continued with a nursery rhyme theme on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Activities for Bracknell children included make and take craft sessions, face painting, and play-dough fun! Story-telling was part of the event - fitting in with the nursery rhyme theme.

Tots also tried out the hands-on science and nature exhibitions at The Bracknell Look Out, which are always a firm favourite providing fun and education at the same time. Further Toddler Days, with a pirate and fairy theme, are planned for April 28 and 29 from 10am to 4pm.

Rachael Simpson, whose regularly takes her two-year-old son Thomas to The Look Out Discovery Centre, said: "My son loves visiting The Look Out, especially splashing around in the stream and it is a bonus to come on Toddler Days as he really enjoys the make-and-take activities and story telling. Luckily The Look Out provides aprons!"

Cllr Iain McCracken, Bracknell Forest Council's executive member for leisure, said: "Toddler Days are a fantastic way for youngsters to try their hands at some messy play and mum and dad don't have to clear up afterwards. What's more is that they can use all the science and nature exhibitions that the centre has - providing an afternoon of sheer fun!

"If your toddler loves being creative and messy then why not pop along to one of the sessions in the spring?"

Toddler Days cost £5.90 per adult and toddler, which includes entrance to the exhibition as well as all the activities and materials. Additional toddlers cost £1.30 - maximum three toddlers per adult. A buy one get one free hot drink promotion also runs on Toddler Days, so why not bring a friend.

Or how about getting your brain working over-time at The Look Out's new Toy Box Show, which opened on Saturday (January 16).

Bracknell Youngsters are asked to guess which toys are moved by gravity, air, clockwork, electricity or magnets throughout the show, so why not come and join us to see how we build our giant human circuit that shows us how our electrical toys work. A really interesting show to make you look at your toys in a new light.

Show times are at 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3.15pm at weekends and Berkshire school holidays (subject to minimum numbers). There is a small additional charge in addition to the charge for the hands-on science and nature exhibition.

The Bracknell Look Out Discovery Centre is open daily from 10am - 5pm. As well as the 80 hands-on science and nature exhibits, there is a children’s adventure play area, free car parking, gift shop and coffee shop. Located in 2,600 acres of Crown Estate woodland, there is plenty of space for walks, cycling and orienteering.

For more information call The Look Out on (01344) 354400

Bracknell Forest Council

A man has been jailed for a distraction burglary at a Chinese takeaway in Binfield, Bracknell as well as two similar offences in Surrey and the London area.

Mark Smith, aged 37, of Staines, pleaded guilty after a 13-day trial at Kingston Crown Court to three counts of burglary. He was sentenced on Wednesday (20/1) to four years in prison.

At about 1.10pm on 21 March 2009, Smith came to the back door of the Binfield, Bracknell Kitchen Chinese takeaway in Terrace Road North, Binfield, and told staff he had come to fix a leak. By coincidence, there was a leak at the premise and the manager had called a plumber the previous day. Smith was invited inside to look at the problem and discuss the cost of repairs.

After Smith asked for £90 cash in advance to buy parts, the Bracknell manager became suspicious and went into the kitchen to ask a member of staff to note down the index number of Smith's vehicle. When he returned, Smith said he was too busy to do the work and left.

The Bracknell manager called the plumbing firm he had spoken to previously, and was told they had not sent anyone. He then noticed that a bag containing the week's takings - approximately £2,500 in cash and cheques - was missing from the front counter area.

Smith was arrested by Thames Valley Police in April and charged with burglary. Shortly before his arrest, Smith carried out a similar offence at the Dragon Wok, a Chinese takeaway in Ottershaw, Surrey. While on bail awaiting trial for the Binfield, Bracknell offence, he committed a third burglary in June 2009 at an internet café run by a Somalian man in the Metropolitan Police area.

Det Con Ross Fleming, of Thames Valley Police's Priority Crime Team, said: "Smith targeted businesses whose staff did not have English as their first language. He took advantage of their vulnerability to commit what the judge referred to as 'mean crimes.'

"This was a complex investigation due to the fact that Smith committed crimes in three police areas. We have worked closely with our colleagues in Surrey Police and the Met to bring him to justice."

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

This year Bracknell Forest Council is again hosting a wide variety of free parenting workshops throughout the community.

The Bracknell council’s extended services team has organised the free events at various venues throughout the borough and the programme has just been published.

Building positive relationships and dealing with sibling rivalry are just two of the Bracknell workshops offered. Others include:

* Separation and divorce - February 25, from 1pm at College Town Infants School.
* The wonders and woes of grandparenting - March 18, from 12.45pm at Homestart, Coopers Hill Centre.
* Bullying and how to handle it - April 22, from 12.45pm at Crown Wood Primary School.
* Self esteem - June 9, from 6pm at Brakenhale School.

Parents are welcome to turn up to any of these sessions but bookings are preferable by calling 01344 354067 or email parent.support@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Martin Gocke, acting director for Children, Young People and Learning at Bracknell Forest Council, said: "Bringing up our children is perhaps the most important role that many of us will have in our lives. Having support and professional advice available helps to ensure children are brought up in the best possible environment.

"Parenting courses are just one of many free events planned by the extended services team here at the council. With all schools in the borough offering a range of extended services, there's bound to be something in your area to suit you.

"Just call the extended services team to find out more."

Gareth Barnard, executive member for Bracknell children and young people, said: "Extended services brings together key services in one place making it easier for parents and carers to get the help and support that they and their children need.

"They will ensure that educational, health and voluntary sector professionals work together to create the best possible care, support and education for children and families in Bracknell Forest."

To find out more about extended services and events in your community call 01344 354067.

Bracknell Forest Council

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after two men tried to rob a post office in Bracknell on Friday (22/1).

At about 6am, the shopkeeper at the post office in Wildridings Square, Bracknell was opening up his store, when he was approached by two white men wearing balaclavas. One of the men was carrying a knife and the other a sledgehammer.

The robbers threatened the shop keeper and his wife before forcing their way into the Bracknell store. They attempted to break into the safe and the cash machine without success, and left empty-handed.

The shop keeper sustained cuts to his hand during the robbery, which were treated at the scene by ambulance staff.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Bracknell Det Con Pete Clarke on 0845 8 505 505. If you don't want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Operation Lion Cub, the initiative set up by Bracknell's neighbourhood policing team to tackle anti-social behaviour, has been highlighted by the Government Office for the South East (GOSE) as an example of good practice. The operation is currently featured in the community safety section of GOSE's website.

Since its launch in June 2007, Bracknell Operation Lion Cub has had a significant impact on anti-social behaviour across the borough. According to the Bracknell Forest partnership's information gathering system, CADIS (Community nuisance and Disorder Information System), there was a 15.1 per cent reduction in reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) between the start of the operation and 31 December 2009.

A survey of Bracknell residents on the Lion Cub contact list, and those visited through house-to-house consultations in ASB hotspots, showed that 68 per cent of respondents felt the operation had helped to reduce the level of criminal activity in their neighbourhood. The majority felt that Operation Lion Cub had increased the level of reassurance within their community and 74 per cent said that their relationship with neighbourhood officers had improved as a result of the operation.

Operation Bracknell Lion Cub was set up in response to concerns raised by the community about anti-social behaviour, particularly youth disorder, vandalism in the vicinity of public houses, and vehicle-related crime. It aims to provide public reassurance through a highly visible police presence, provide a prompt and appropriate response to reports of ASB, and to reduce crime and disorder.

Residents who have previously contacted police about anti-social behaviour are asked if they would like to be involved in the operation as "eyes and ears." These volunteers are given a telephone number that links directly to the police officer in charge.

Operation Lion Cub takes place on Friday and Saturday nights, which are peak times for ASB. Before going out on patrol, officers from the Bracknell neighbourhood policing team are briefed at 6.30pm in the open air at ASB hotspots, with marked police cars parked nearby to ensure maximum visibility.

If ASB is reported by the "eyes and ears" during the operation, the officer in charge deploys resources to that location. Otherwise the neighbourhood teams patrol their own areas, paying special attention to known ASB hotspots.

Insp Michael Squire, neighbourhood inspector for Bracknell South, who set up Operation Lion Cub, said: "We're pleased that GOSE has recognised the work we have been doing to tackle anti-social behaviour. Lion Cub has not only reduced low-level crime and disorder, but also improved community confidence in the police.

"Whilst the operation is still working well, we are always keen to do better. We will continue to develop our strategies with our partners in other areas, as well as looking at ways to improve wherever possible."

Following the success of Operation Lion Cub in Bracknell Forest, a similar initiative was launched in Wokingham local police area in October 2009, and there are plans to introduce the idea to other parts of the Thames Valley Police area.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Four people have been charged with robbery and six others were arrested after two separate incidents in Bracknell last weekend.

At 10.15pm on Friday (15/1), four 16-year-old boys were walking in Princess Square, Bracknell when they were allegedly assaulted and robbed. Two 18-year-old men and two 16-year-old boys, all from the London area, appeared at Slough Magistrates' Court on Monday (18/1) charged with robbery. They were bailed to attend Reading Crown Court on 1 March.

At about 8.50pm on Saturday (16/1), another group of teenage boys were walking back from the Bracknell cinema when they were approached by about 15 youths in Dukeshill Road, Garth. The larger group threatened the boys, punching one of them in the face several times, before stealing mobile phones and cash.

Six young men aged between 15 and 17 were arrested in connection with this Bracknell incident. They have been bailed until 1 February pending further inquiries.

Ch Insp Simon Bowden, Commander of Bracknell Forest Local Police Area (LPA), said: "Incidents of this nature are very unusual in Bracknell and it is notable that all those arrested are from other towns.

"We would like to reassure residents that we will deal swiftly and robustly with anyone committing serious offences in Bracknell police area."

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell