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Thames Valley Police address Thatcham’s antisocial behaviour incidents




Thames Valley Police discussed cannabis cultivating and drug cuckooing incidents in a presentation to Thatcham residents.

Officers answered questions and addressed specific cases at the Thatcham annual town meeting held on May 5.

There have been around 183 antisocial behaviour incidents in Thatcham over the past year – something that has been hard to track since the Covid pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

Police have addressed Thatcham’s antisocial behaviour incidents
Police have addressed Thatcham’s antisocial behaviour incidents

Of the 183 incidents, 12 were environmental cases like fly tipping, 125 community cases like noise disturbances and 46 others.

This has been, according to neighbourhood problem solving and safeguarding inspector Matt Gow, a “big decrease” – with West Berkshire being the best performing area in the Thames Valley for reduction of crime.

Mr Gow said the team had appointed three new officers, two police constables and one police community support officer.

He addressed concerns of antisocial behaviour in the town noting that the policing teams would be "identifying the hot spots" and "working closely with schools and parents".

Antisocial behaviour peaks at specific times, with summer being one.

Insp Gow told the Newbury Weekly News: “We continue to work closely with the council and Thatcham residents to make sure the town is safe and our communities.

“We encourage all residents to report any incidents or concerns to your local officers so we can provide the support and reassurance to make Thatcham a great place to live.”

At the meeting, he detailed specific incidents successfully tackled by TVP including a community protection order notice, which was issued after a “persistent antisocial behaviour incident” that included shoplifting and abusive behaviour.

An incident occurred in north Thatcham where a male individual’s house was being “cuckooed” by local drug users.

Cuckooing is when a drug dealer or a gang takes over a vulnerable adult's address for criminal purposes, usually as a site to supply, store or produce drugs.

The individuals involved were arrested and the vulnerable male is being safeguarded.

A Thatcham man was jailed earlier this year for 27 months after cultivating cannabis.

The cannabis factory was found in the centre of Thatcham by a Thames Valley Police officer who said the "closed case didn’t seem right".

The male was charged at Reading Crown Court and is due to face deportation upon his release. Insp Gow called this a “really successful result” and said it sends out a message to any organised crime groups.

The police have also been working with pubs, addressing issues surrounding violence against women and spiking.

He touched upon supporting asylum seekers staying in Thatcham, who are made up of different nationalities and backgrounds.

Insp Gow said that TVP had been working closely with Community United’s Alice Kunjappy-Clifton. He said the acceptance of the community has been brilliant.



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