Policing

Peppard Ward Councillors raise concerns again on the increase in burglaries in the area

At a the Safer Reading Forum, held earlier this week, Cllr Mark Ralph and Cllr Jamie Chowdhary expressed their concerns at the number of burglaries in Caversham.
See Reading Chronicle report.

Overall, crime is down in Reading.  A worrying exception is an increase in burglaries in Caversham, despite a 40% reduction year on year for the Borough as a whole.

For those of you who are interested in looking at local crime statistics, there is a website:  http://maps.police.uk into which you can enter your area and make comparisons with other areas.

Peppard Ward is to be found under ‘Caversham North’ and can be compared to ‘Caversham West’ and ‘Caversham Lower’, or any other area.   

There is also a Thames Valley Police website:  www.thamesvalley.police.uk and Caversham North update on:  http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/pub-pg-nh-upds-N130?id=104062

You may be reassured to see that Caversham North is the least problematic area of Caversham but your Councillors are nevertheless putting pressure on the Police to address the matter.

If any residents are interested in receiving security advice, you are invited to contact Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505. All members of the Caversham Team are fully trained to help you with this, and can either ring or visit you.

Progress on the Local Area Enhancement Scheme has been slower than hoped but we have been assured that Phase 2 will be completed this financial year.  In addition to the elements mentioned previously, plans include increased speed control and a pedestrian refuge for safer crossing for those walking to Micklands Primary School.

Earlier this year, RBC announced plans to put double yellow lines on both sides of the Henley Road, to stop obstruction of the footpaths and cycle lane.  This proved contentious and we undertook our own survey.  This  found a number of residents in favour, a number against, wanting ‘no change’, and many concerned about traffic speeds.

These views were presented to the Council, the double yellow line proposal was dropped and a rethink initiated.

A new system of lines, signs and on-road parking is to be introduced shortly and residents may experience some inconvenience while the changes are put into place.

Following the launch of Cllr Mark Ralph’s ‘Buddy Scheme’ on 13 July, a small number of information packs have been returned. 

Mark said, “If  older residents have the support of individuals or their communities I’m delighted.  This scheme was developed specifically for those who do not.  As a Pilot however, I am very keen that we should learn about the practicalities of the scheme and improve it.  If any of our older people would be prepared to participate on that basis, with a view to contributing to the scheme’s development, please call Liz Herbert at Reading Police Station on 0118 953 6250 and she will forward your details to your local Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator.”

If you don’t have a Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator, the Police are very interested in hearing from groups of residents wishing to establish NHW schemes.  Again, Liz Herbert is the contact.  Call her on 0118 953 6250.

Finally, there is to be another 50 PLUS+ meeting for our older residents on 14 December, at St Barnabas Hall, Grove Road, Emmer Green from 2.00-4.30pm.  We hope to see you there.