SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS

North Reading Safer Neighbourhood Forum (NRSNF)

A well-attended meeting received an update on recent Thames Valley Police operations targeting shoplifting, drug enforcement and the seizure of illegal e-scooters and non-compliant e-bikes. Reading has recorded the highest number (26) of seized "Surron-style" bikes within the Thames Valley Police area.

Drug enforcement operations were carried out in local pubs, with one establishment in North Reading receiving a formal reminder of its licensing conditions.

Sergeant Abhilasha Bajwa has officially succeeded Sergeant Betsy Palmer.

The Royal Berkshire and Reading Fire Services (RBRFS) reported many fires in bins and parks across Reading and particularly in North Reading. It is thought that this might be related to a group of youths (although it is far from certain). RBC, RBRFS and groups like No.5 have said that they intend to do some education work with the schools, to try and mitigate the issue.

Residents raised several concerns including:

Speeding on the A4074 approaching the Caversham section is a long-term issue. The forum will ask TVP to do some speed patrols in that area. Kidmore Road was also raised as a concern.

Pedestrians walking at night in dark clothing: Given a series of near misses in Upper Warren Avenue, residents have asked that anyone walking after dark could ensure that they and their dogs are wearing reflective clothing or carrying a light, and to walk on the right facing the oncoming traffic. Also of concern is The Warren, another popular walking route with no pavement.

Dangerous Dogs: There have been a series of incidents concerning one dog, some of which were not reported. It is worth noting that this is covered by the new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) and we encourage you to report any worrying incidents.

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs): RBC asked that we remind residents that the PSPOs will come into force on 24th March, covering e-bikes and e-scooters, street drinking, on street begging, dog control and dog fouling. Expect to see more media on this topic in the next month.

Safer Reading Forum (SRF)

We have been asked by NRSNF’s parent group to make residents aware that every three months the police will be seeking help to set their priorities. This will be done via Thames Valley Alert Surveys, which CADRA will post on its Facebook page.

There is a new Ai assistant on the TVP website called Bobbi Ai Virtual Assistant.