Politicians have spoken out over shoplifting and anti-social bike and scooter riding in the Woodley Precinct.
Over the last month, neighbours have reported shoplifting from the supermarkets and e-scooters and e-bikes being ridden dangerously in the precinct, which is a popular place for neighbours to shop.
The precinct was recently visited by Tim Starkey, the Labour candidate hoping to become the next police and crime commissioner for the Thames Valley.
READ MORE: Complaints over anti-social bike and scooter riding and thefts in shopping area
In a video, Mr Starkey said: “Over the last 21 years in my work as a criminal barrister, I’ve seen how the criminal justice system too often fails people and what we need to do to change it.
“Every weekend I’m out and about in different parts of the Thames Valley talking and listening to residents.
“A big concern is shoplifting which has surged over the last year, with the same offenders often hitting the same shops, and shop workers often feeling powerless to stop it.”
He then gave a five-point plan for how he would tackle shoplifting:
- Restoring neighbourhood police patrols
- Work with businesses to identify repeat offenders
- Introduce ‘respect’ orders to ban repeat offenders from crime hotspots
- Restore funding for drug treatment
- End rule change where thefts for items under £200 are not prosecuted
The issue of anti-social driving of e-bikes and e-scooters in the Woodley Precinct was recently covered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, with shopper Jane Mitchell complaining that her elderly parents nearly got knocked over by speeding motorbike riders.
Councillor Greg Bello (Labour, Loddon South) has voiced his concerns and called on relevant authorities to work together to address the issues.
Cllr Bello said: “Having elderly people nearly knocked down by racing motorcycles in Woodley Precinct is totally unacceptable.
“This is clearly an issue of concern to the people of Woodley and Woodley Town Council, the police service and all partners such as Wokingham Borough Council’s Anti Social Behaviour Unit need to take urgent action to deal effectively with this recent problem.
“Let’s all sort this out before we have a serious injury or worse.
“Regardless of reduced resources and cuts we can all work together on behalf of the people of Woodley and find a solution.
“It’s our duty to serve our community in Woodley and find solutions by all working together.”
Matthew Barber, the current Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, asked Jason Hogg, the chief constable, to review its policy on enforcement around e-scooters.
READ MORE: Police will enforce rules over e-scooter and e-bike use in Woodley
He has pointed out that the force is increasing the number of neighbourhood officers this financial year, and has suggested that Wokingham Borough Council look into preventative measures to tackle anti-social scooter and bike use and shoplifting.
The election for the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) will take place on May 2, 2024.
Mr Barber was elected with a total of 313,148 votes in 2021. Mr Starkey ran as the Labour candidate for the PCC in 2012 but lost out to Anthony Stansfeld, the Conservative candidate, who served as PCC from 2012 to 2021.
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