Knife crime and drug use

Partnership work with SOHA has enabled them to receive a Notice To Seek Possession for an address in Cholsey where there were repeated calls concerning drug use and supply. House to House enquiries were done by PCSOs at an address which had been highlighted for drug use. During regular patrols in Wallingford, PCSO’s came across 3 youths who were suspected to be using Cannabis. This resulted in one of the youths being issued a Community Resolution. A drugs warrant was executed in Blue Mountains and a male and female were arrested and interviewed. A 24 hour Closure Order was put on the address and enquiries are ongoing. We are also liaising with housing on this matter. High Visibility patrols remain in Wallingford and the team continues to work with schools, parents and other agencies to divert and educate youths on Knife Crime and Drugs. Local pubs have been given a guild to assist them with preventing and detecting drug use within their establishments.

Anti-social behaviour (ASB)

Anti-Social behaviour in Wallingford has recently featured in the media, especially with issues surrounding the harassment of staff at local retail premises. Statements have now been taken from staff, individuals have been identified as perpetrators and they will be voluntary interviewed and dealt with robustly. Have Your Say meetings have been held at Costa which have been successful with positive feedback from the public. Wallingford remains a hot spot tasking and whilst officers were on patrol they were approached by a member of public who had seen a male trying to steal bikes. Officers were able to detain the male who was arrested for attempting to steal. He was interviewed and bailed. Due to an incident which occurred in The Old Post Office a male has been given a 3 year ban from all licensing premises in Wallingford. A report of ASB was reported by a resident in close proximity to Waitrose. Police have worked with the Community Safety Partnership Team who have conducted an Environmental Visual Audit. Waitrose have also been experiencing ASB from youths running around the store and causing harassment, alarm and distress to customers and staff. Four youths have been issued banning letters from the store and one youth was arrested and is currently under investigation. ASB is a neighbourhood priority and we continue to work closely with all partner agencies to reduce this and will deal with any persons displaying such behaviours robustly.

Retail crime

SABA Safer Business Action scheme is now up and running in Wallingford and is working well. Have Your Say meetings have been held within Waitrose and this has appears to have been well received by local residents. There does appear to be a slight decline in retail crime within Wallingford. One male was arrested from Waitrose for shoplifting and is currently on bail. Cholsey’s Tesco store have had a significant number of shopliftings. We have worked with both staff and British Transport Police as offenders were using the train to get to Cholsey. One offender was arrested and charged with three offences. We will continue to work with our retail partners to continue reducing retail crime and bringing offenders to justice. We continue to run Operation Purchase to combat retail crime.

Heritage Crime

Graffiti was reported to be on one of bridges in Wallingford. Unfortunately we were unable to identify any offenders. There were no witnesses or any CCTV in the vicinity to assist. Police are working with the local council with a view to putting some cameras in one of the local parks. We will continue to work with local council on heritage crime and provide support were possible.