Published: Wednesday, 20th January, 2010 7:00am

'Your opinion matters, make it heard' - police

by Annabel Williams

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CRIME is down by up to 20% in all three police areas spanning Caversham and Emmer Green, the latest figures show.

Statistics released compiling crime figures for September, October and November show the overall number of incidents down when compared to the same period in 2008.

In the Lower Caversham patch, average incidents were down from 97.3 to 78, a 19.9% reduction. In North Caversham, the average decreased from 49.3 to 45 (8.8%).

In the West Caversham neighbourhood, average incidents were down from 36.7 to 30, an 18.2% fall.

See www.maps.police.uk/view/thames-valley

The news comes as the police team look to relaunch the Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG), covering the North and West neighbourhoods, with a public meeting on Tuesday, February 11 from 6pm at Highdown School's hall in Surley Row, Emmer Green.

PCSO John Hendy said: "All residents and businesses are invited to come along Your opinion matters, make it heard."

Latest police team news includes an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour from young people congregating in Ardler Road.

PCSO Hendy said: "We are working with Reading Borough Council to tackle the issue, including the possibility of installing CCTV."

The officer also says investigations are continuing into youngsters making residents' lives a misery in Badgers Rise, Beech Wood and an alleyway in Chiltern Road by starting fires in neighbouring woodland.

A dispersal order in Nire Road is having a positive effect on the level of crime.