Civic leaders in crisis talks with Thames Valley Police over Hungerford crime wave

HUNGERFORD “may have to wait a little longer” to see improvements in policing the town.

That was the verdict of town mayor Helen Simpson following a recent crisis meeting with police chiefs and Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber.

She told a full town council meeting on Monday night that it had been arranged because “I have been extremely concerned about the recent break-ins within the town.

“Hungerford’s small independent businesses cannot afford these repeated attacks, especially within the current economic climate.”

She told the council meeting that she and colleagues had lobbied for police to be based back in the town and added: “We stressed the importance of having a genuinely local neighbourhood team; that’s important to most community members I’ve spoken to.”

Mrs Simpson did not report receiving any firm commitment to that, but added that two new officers were expected to join the team in November.

She also stressed police response times were too great since the team had not been based in the town, and had such a large patch to cover.

Mrs Simpson said in a written report: “It is hoped this concern may be addressed as the force completes a review later in the year – I’ll be keeping a close eye.

Town councillor Nick Schlanker was sceptical.

He said: “There’s a big gap between what they’re saying and what they’re doing.

“January was the last time [a police team member] attended a meeting here.”

He cited an incident in which £8,000 worth of power tools were stolen and said: “All they got was a crime number.”

Mr Schlanker added: “And no one went to the barbers when they had their door smashed.

“I’m representing the people in the High Street.”

Mrs Simpson agreed: “They say the same thing to me all the time.”

However, she added: “We have to give the police an opportunity to put things right.

“I feel the force is currently in a real time of change, we may have to wait a little longer to see some real results.

“We’ve agreed to hold another meeting in six months to see how things are going.”

In a written monthly update to the town council, the neighbourhood police team acknowledged: “Unfortunately this last month has seen a spate of burglaries in the town.”

“... a man has been charged with burglary and fraud offences following incidents in Hungerford and Newbury.”

The report noted the recent burglaries of High Street businesses including Eliane’s – twice – Mr Fry and the Town Hall.

It added: “The team are still investigating these incidents and arrests have been made.

“If anyone has any information the lead crime number is 43230169356 when calling 101 or reporting online.”

The report also noted the attempted burglary at the Co-op in Hungerford on Wednesday, May 10, in which three males unsuccessfully tried to raid the store.

A black Jaguar vehicle was used and the same males and same vehicle then burgled The Family Mart in Lambourn, making off with cigarettes.

The police team report said: “If you have any information regarding these incidents or have CCTV or dash cam footage that may cover the area at this time, please contact us to assist with our investigations.

“Information can be reported online or by calling 101, quoting reference 43230202420.”

Finally, the report noted three instances of antisocial behaviour and two shopliftings since the beginning of April.