RESIDENTS should expect to see an increase in police officers patrolling the area over the coming weeks.

This comes following an ongoing rise in the number of violent weapon related crimes locally.

According to Thames Valley Police figures, possession of weapons offences in Bracknell and Wokingham went down 36 per cent from January to December 2021.

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However, violent crimes went up 12.1 per cent over the same period.

Officers are planning to run a ‘proactive’ operation targeting youths and making arrests ‘where necessary’.

More officers and PCSOs will be patrolling the area in vehicles and on bicycles as they carry out their operation.

A spokesperson from Thames Valley Police Bracknell and Wokingham said: “The Bracknell and Wokingham Local Policing Area (LPA) continues to see a rise in the number of violent weapon related crimes.

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“Bracknell and Wokingham NHPT are running an proactive operation to tackle this issue. We are working closely with officers from Reading to stop and engage with youths and where necessary, make robust arrests.

“We will be conducting marked patrols both in vehicles and on bicycles.

“You will see an increase of Police Officers and PCSO's in the area. If you see us about, come and chat with us, to raise your concerns or just to say hello.”