Crimes including drug offences, burglaries and possession of weapons are significantly on the rise in Bracknell Forest.

The borough has seen the highest rate of reported crimes in six years compared to all other local authorities in Berkshire, according to a council report.

Drug offences reported to Thames Valley Police have jumped by 46 per cent in the past year, while residential burglary reports have risen by 25 per cent.

Also on the rise is personal robbery, which jumped by 17 per cent and possession of weapons, which rose by 35 per cent.

The increase in reports of weapon possession as well as drug offences ‘reflect proactive police work’, a Bracknell Forest Council report says.

While these crimes have been on the rise, others have fallen in numbers since 2022 to 2023.

Reports of arson and criminal damage as well as sexual offences have gone down.

Burglaries of sheds and garages has decreased by a quarter simultaneously as those of residential properties have risen by a quarter.

The highest reported crime was violence against a person, with a total of 2,878 reported this year and a similar number reported last year.

The executive report prepared ahead of next week’s cabinet meeting sets out how Bracknell Forest Council will look to reduce crime in the area.

The Community Safety Plan sets out the council’s priorities after consulting with members of the public.

During a public consultation, 83 per cent of respondents agreed that the most important issues to tackle were crime and anti-social behaviour hotspots, including placed where drug-dealing and taking are frequent.

Also highlighted was the use of e-scooters and e-bikes.

Other priorities set out in the plan include crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre, as well as domestic and serious violence.

Bracknell Forest had the lowest percentage of recorded crime in Berkshire between 2018 to 2023, according to the report.

But the increase in rate of crime over the past six years has been the highest compared to Wokingham, Reading, Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead and West Berkshire.

The plan sets out priorities until 2027, but they will be reviewed annually to ensure they are still relevant to crime levels each year.

Council leaders will vote on the plan at an upcoming meeting on Tuesday, November 12.