CALLS for “more police on the streets” are increasing after another reported spate of vandalism in Wokingham town centre.
A number of attacks have been reported in recent weeks, including:
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- Gates at Elms Field being ripped off their hinges
(Town council leader Cllr Imogen Shepherd Du-Bey and other town councillors have stored the gate away for safe keeping)
- The town’s Christmas tree being attacked on Christmas Eve
- CCTV outside the town hall and popular restaurants being taken
Police have been contacted and provided with footage related to the incidents, but the vandalism has since prompted councillors to set up a petition which also demands a new police station for the town after the previous hub closed.
Councillor Maria Gee, ward member for Wescott, told the News: “With government change in policy on police numbers this is the time to act for Wokingham residents.
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“We need police on the streets, especially at night to deter the opportunist criminal and to deter vandalism.
“CCTV might be a deterrent but in the town centre many CCTVs have been stolen themselves which really defeats the point of having them.
“Finally, I think we need more connection between residents and the police so that we get to know and support each other - a police station in the town enables that connection.”
Several incidents of vandalism saw shop windows smashed, a fire set to a bench, plant pots destroyed and more in 2019.
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The petition, which has a target of 500 signatures, has so far seen 224 residents put their name to the appeal.
Organisers plan to present the final petition to Home Secretary Priti Patel, Wokingham MP John Redwood, Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Anthony Stansfield and to Wokingham Borough Council (WBC).
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