Thames Valley Police respond to Bracknell's WalkSafe App

WalkSafe shows the most common crimes happening in neighbourhoods across the UK based on data submitted by users on the app. 

According to the app, areas are deemed unsafe because users had reported crimes such as sexual assaults happening in the last 5 days or knife crimes.

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However, Thames Valley Police said these figures do not match crimes recorded by the force.

The app allows users to tap in and alert their friends and family where they are at all times.

Police said this could be a 'useful' feature of the app but the crimes recorded doesn't necessarily mean Bracknell is an unsafe place to live.

A spokesman for TVP said: “Thames Valley Police is aware of the WalkSafe app.

“While we see the benefit of users being able to make their friends and family aware of their location, we want to assure the local community that Bracknell remains a safe place to live, work and move around, whether that be on foot or by vehicle.

“When out and about, you could inform a member of your family or a friend of your whereabouts and intended journey.

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“If there is a person or situation that makes you feel nervous or uncomfortable, please call police on 101 if it is not an emergency or 999 where it is an emergency or a person’s safety is at risk.”

Police also explained the accuracy of the WalkSafe app in recording crimes.

Figures on the WalkSafe app show hotspots of anonymised data which does not necessarily mean that the reported incident will have occurred on that street, nor that it is very recent.

Police said "The app states that Priestwood has had the most crime reported in recent days, with eight sexual assaults. This is not the case." 

There are useful tips on how to stay safe when out walking on the streets. 

Visit the Thames Valley Police website for more information.