Published: Wednesday, 6th August, 2008 14:00
Wind up your window - and car crime, says PC
By Annabel Williams
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THE hot weather has meant car crime is one of the top issues being dealt with by the Oxford Road Neighbourhood Police Team.
Neighbourhood Specialist Officer (NSO) PC Nick Girdler is warning motorists not to leave their cars with the windows open, as the number of thefts of and from cars has risen in the industrial areas of his patch, including in and around Cardiff Road.
The officer says the blight is being tackled through a combination of targeted patrols and “intelligence-led policing operations”.
He said: “Many of these thefts occur as a result of opportunist thieves spotting valuables like satellite navigation systems and laptops, or bags left in full view in cars.
“These can be too tempting for some to resist, but thefts can easily be avoided by removing such items or placing them out of sight.”
He added: “The area does not suffer as badly as others with the problems of drug dealing and use, but there are pockets where this is occurring and I’d encourage those people affected to get in touch with the neighbourhood policing team and report these incidents so we can build up a better picture to help us tackle the issues.
"Anti-social behaviour is also a problem in certain areas, and again it would help us if residents reported such incidents.
"We’ve been working with the anti-social behaviour officer from Reading Borough Council to tackle some of the problems involving youths, and letters of advice and warning to parents have solved many issues.”
Street briefings have been organised for Bedford Road on Sunday, Thames Avenue on August 24, Ashmere Terrace on September 11, Battle Street on September 21, Little Johns Lane on October 9, and Westbrook Road on October 21.
There are police surgery sessions at the Police Office at 294 Oxford Rd between 5-8pm this Monday, and on September 8 and October 6.
At New Hope Community Church in York Road, surgeries on September 1 and October 6 will be between 7-9pm.
At Battle Library in Oxford Road, surgeries are between 10-11.30pm tomorrow (Saturday), and on September 13 and October 4.
Contact the Oxford Road team through 08458 505 505 or visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk
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