Drugs and vandalism plague Hungerford town centre

THIS was the scene following a recent burglary, amid mounting concern over drug dealing and vandalism in Hungerford town centre.

The incident, involving thousands of pounds worth of damage, happened at the Eliane of Hungerford café restaurant in The Courtyard, off the High Street.

Restaurateur Rafia Willmott said the heartbreaking incident was just the latest in a series and added: "We've had continuous problems over the past few months in the courtyard with drugs, hooliganism and vandalism.

Restaurateur Rafia Willmott said the heartbreaking incident was just the latest in a series and added: "We've had continuous problems over the past few months in the courtyard with drugs, hooliganism and vandalism.

"We have had our plants ripped up and broken, outdoor furniture damaged and drug paraphernalia, food and alcohol litter left multiple times a week.

"The streets should be safe and Hungerford is becoming a hotbed for crime."

The burglary happened on Monday night, April 3, and Mrs Willmott said: "The safe was broken into and cash and valuables were stolen.

"There was also mindless damage, with doors, glass windows and cake domes smashed.

"Our banquette seating was slashed; cakes were eaten and Champagne and wine stolen."

Mrs Willmott went on: "I reported it to the police who sent out two very junior officers who didn’t even give me a crime reference number.

"I had to chase this with the police.

"There has been no follow up other than taking a statement... my staff are understandably traumatised.

Thames Valley Police said they had stepped up patrols in the town centre following an increase in reports of drug dealing.

The local neighbourhood police team posted a photo of a uniformed officer in the High Street on Monday, April 3.

The caption stated: "The team have been patrolling the High Street in Hungerford today due to concerns around drug dealing.

However Mrs Willmott said: "The police have apparently increased their presence – but obviously not enough."

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "[We] have received a report of a burglary that occurred in High Street, Hungerford, between 5pm on Sunday, April 2, and 8am on Monday, April 3.

"Entry was forced to the premise and money taken.

"An investigation is ongoing.

"Anyone with information can call 101 or make a report online, quoting reference 43230145716."